CONGO SQUARE

Named for the historical gathering place and trading grounds of African people in colonial New Orleans, enter this unique area to experience the music, art, and energy of Africa and the African Diaspora.  Peruse the Congo Square African Marketplace, which features an array of handcrafted original artworks reflecting the roots and dispersion of African culture and heritage in New Orleans and throughout the world.  Visit theSankoré Pavilion to learn about the art and culture of the Kingdom of Kongo, namesake of present day Congo Square, as we celebrate 40 years of Jazz Fest history.  Join the commemoration of the Ancestors of the Diaspora at the Congo Square Ancestral/Egun Shrine located in the Pavilion, at the West gate next to Congo Road.

Sculptures, paintings, handcrafted leatherworks, ceramics, jewelry and wearable art are just a few of the treasures that can be found in Congo Square’s 52 booths, including the 4 Artist Demonstration areas. Traditional art making techniques from various cultures of the African Diaspora are featured in the Congo Demonstration booths.  The highlighted crafts include Moroccan lamp making, West African metal forging, Adinkra stamp making and embroidery, silk dyeing techniques, doll sculpture, and collages created from magazines and recyclables.