Our Bureau
New York, NY
Get ready to be immersed in the vibrant spirit of Holi at the South Street Seaport community celebration. On the day of celebration, the General Admission to the Seaport Museum is free to explore the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street and the historic ships at Pier 16 throughout the day. Recently, South Street Seaport Museum announced free general admission and programming for Holi at the Seaport Museum on March 24, 2024, between 11 am – 5 pm.
Holi originated on the Indian Subcontinent as a vibrant festival of colors, symbolizing the onset of Spring. As this joyous celebration has transcended borders and is embraced worldwide as a spirited way to welcome the season, promote inclusivity, and revel in playful and colorful festivities.
The festivities commence at 11 am aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree, where the culinary delights of Holi can be discovered to savor a tasty treat. The celebration continues on Seaport Square, featuring the Colors of Krishna’s Love puppet show, which shares the history of Holi; interactive dance workshops and performances; and the iconic throwing of colorful pigments––the quintessential part of Holi.
After the colorful revelry, Pier 16 will host the creation of a collaborative mural inspired by the balloon fights that characterize Holi celebrations across India.
These activities, presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree and the Seaport, promises to be a day filled with cultural richness, interactive experiences, and the shared spirit of Holi.
Foods of Holi on March 24, 11 am at Wavertree for Free
The Holi celebration will begin with a family-friendly book reading and a captivating talk on the traditional foods of Holi by Priya Krishna, an award-winning food reporter for The New York Times. Priya will share insights from her new book, Priya’s Kitchen Adventures, an illustrated cookbook for kids and parents that draws inspiration from her childhood experiences traveling the globe with her family.
Following the reading, there will be an interactive cooking segment led by Anu Sehgal, founder and CEO of The Culture Tree, which will culminate in a tasting of Shahi Toast, a sweet Holi delicacy. Participants will also receive the recipe to recreate this treat at home.
Advanced registration is encouraged for this free family program but walkups will be accommodated as possible and please be aware that the treat contains nuts, dairy, and gluten.
Holi Collaborative Mural on March 24, between 11 am – 5 pm at Pier 16 (Free with General Admission)
The visitors of all ages are invited to continue the Holi celebration on Pier 16 with the Museum by joining in to create a vibrant collaborative mural inspired by the colorful pigment and balloon fights of the annual festival.
Every participant will be provided with a colorful paintball to add a unique touch to the mural, creating a collective masterpiece and celebrating the kaleidoscope of colors that define Holi.
Supplies are limited for this activity and it takes place outdoors at Pier 16 and walkups are welcome. No additional registration is required.
General Admission includes access to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Free-timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are available separately at no additional cost to extend the visit.
The Culture Tree promotes cultural literacy about South Asia through language and educational and cultural programs. The Culture Tree partners with museums, galleries, schools and libraries for celebration of key festivals and events, puppet shows, bilingual story time, mindful eating, mindfulness and language classes in key South Asian languages.
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th-century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.”
