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From hammocks to hurricanes, from popcorn to popular films, Taíno Indigenous influence on our language and culture is everywhere… though the Taíno people and their language were presumed lost for 500-plus years.  

Join Priscilla Colón of Casa Areyto for an interactive presentation on the Taíno Indigenous origins of many of the words, foods, and traditions we practice, followed by a Q&A. You’ll also learn about amazing projects that are leading to the resurgence and revitalization of the Taíno Indigenous language and expanding awareness across cultures and continents.

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Friday, May 26 at 6:30 PM (doors 6:00 PM), 90 minutes, with intermission.

Free to the public! Donations encouraged!

ABOUT PRISCILLA COLÓN, CO-FOUNDER & CREATIVE OF CASA AREYTO

As a writer, artist, teacher, and language nerd at heart, Priscilla Colón has shared her passion for education, working on language programs for more than 20 years. This wide range of experiences has led her to what she considers her life’s mission: to bring healing to the Taíno Indigenous community by teaching and promoting the Taíno language and culture (the first Indigenous language of contact with Europeans). In 2021, Priscilla and her husband Ely co-founded Casa Areyto, an organization that envisions a world in which Taíno descendants know who they are and where they come from. To that end, they work to revitalize the Taíno language and culture through educational video lessons, children's books, and live events.

ABOUT THE TAÍNO MINI-CONFERENCE

This event is one part of a Taíno Mini-Conference funded by the Maine Humanities Council, in collaboration with local Taíno community leader, Sayalí Robles, from South Portland, ME; founder of Casa Areyto, Priscilla Colón, from Nashua, NH; and the directors of Bomba De Aquí, Brendalíz Cepeda and Saul Peñaloza, from Granby, MA.

For 500 years, it was widely—and incorrectly!—believed that the Taíno peoples indigenous to Boriken (what is now called the US colony of Puerto Rico) and other islands throughout the Caribbean had gone extinct.

As described by Priscilla Colón, the principal goal of the project is to, “raise general awareness of Taíno indigenous culture—not just its existence but how it's thrived & become part of every other culture in the world.” This lineage can be traced through food, language, music, and other cultural pathways.

Please join us for the events: From Hammocks to Hurricanes | Taíno Influence on Language & Culture (Friday, May 26 at 6:30 PM); Taíno Petroglyphs for Kids Workshop (Saturday, May 27 at 10:00 AM); Taíno Taste Tour of the Caribbean (Saturday, May 27 at 12:00 PM); Bomba de Aquí Workshop (Saturday, June 24 at 11:00 AM); & the Bomba de Aquí performance (Saturday, June 24 at 5:00 PM).

"From Hammocks to Hurricanes" Taíno Influence on Language & Culture

Mayo Street Arts

"From Hammocks to Hurricanes" Taíno Influence on Language & Culture

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