Summer can be hot and humid in New York City, but on the opposite side of the world, it’s monsoon season. Experience the sights, flavors, and sounds of Nepal’s monsoon festivals with your family at our Block Party. For just one day, our block on 17th Street in Chelsea closes to traffic for a lively celebration!
With so many activities planned, it was hard to narrow it down, but here are five of the top reasons you should mark your calendar:
1) The celebrations will have you hopping with joy
At this year’s Block Party, families will celebrate the monsoon festivals of Nepal… and where there are monsoons, there are frogs! In some parts of Nepal, families will make special treats and decorations for frogs to honor them and their ability to predict the first rainfall of the monsoon season. These rituals have influenced several of the activities that families will get to participate in on the day of the Block Party! The performances, arts and crafts, and Museum tours will be influenced by the monsoons and our hopping friends.
2) Endless arts and crafts
You’ll have a wide variety of art projects to choose from at the Block Party: express your creativity through making frog masks and hybrid animal collages; make and decorate a rainstick before playing along to the music; or create prayer flags and flower garlands, staples of any Nepalese festival. Try all of these activities and more on the day of the event!
3) Yummy Himalayan treats
A Himalayan-inspired street festival wouldn’t be complete without momos! The Himalayan dumplings will be available for purchase both inside and outside of our Café Serai, along with a special menu of Nepalese-inspired snacks, including fruit lassis, samosas, and chutney sandwiches.
4) Interactive performances…and family yoga!
Celebrate Himalayan cultures through Nepalese and monsoon-inspired music and dance performances by artists such as Brooklyn Raga Massive, and Dikyi. Families will also be treated to a special yoga session to keep the body and mind feeling refreshed throughout the afternoon.
5) Family-focused Museum tours
If you need a break from the sun, pop inside the Museum to explore the seasons, animals, and history of the Himalayas through the art in the Rubin’s galleries. Join a special tour for kids or go on your own expedition through the Museum. We’ll even have a gallery scavenger hunt for your family to find some important art pieces.
Whatever your reason for wanting to attend, we hope to celebrate with you and your family on July 17, 2016 for the Rubin’s Annual Block Party. Learn more about the Block Party festivities.
The Rubin Museum Block Party is presented by New York Life.
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