Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove

On Forests as Sites of Eco-Political Knowledge

Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove
On Forests as Sites of Eco-Political Knowledge

Performances, Dance, Rituals, Lectures, Conversations, Poetry, Music, Food, Films, Installations

1 & 2 August 2026

Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove marks the fourth chapter of HKW’s long-term curatorial investigation into the unfinished work and legacy of the Haitian Revolution. The festival again takes as its departure point the forest gathering of Bwa Kayiman, which took place on 14 August 1791 and initiated the revolution that would establish the first Black republic. The 2026 edition of the festival returns to the location of this seminal assembly to think on forests as sites of eco-political struggle, with a particular focus on the mangrove as a space of relation and knowledge. Today mangroves are among the most endangered ecosystems on earth, despite the significant role they play in regulating the global carbon cycle. These porous forests also hold significance and layered histories for many Afro-diasporic and Indigenous peoples, who globally face threats to their livelihoods due to the environmental exploitation systemically naturalized through colonial narratives.  

In dialogue with thinkers and practitioners from the Caribbean, Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe, the festival addresses the ecological implications of colonialism, pressing environmental challenges, and potential forms of ecological stewardship. As in previous iterations, Bwa Kayiman: Crossing the Mangrove aims to strengthen the voices of communities still seeking emancipation. Comprising performances, dance, rituals, lectures, conversations, poetry, music, food, films, and installations, this year’s edition also features a dedicated programme section co-curated by members of the Ryūkyūan/Okinawan diaspora in Berlin.

With:

Dudley Alexis, Jason Allen-Paisant, Rodney Barreto, Boukman Eksperyans, Jean-Ulrick Désert,Marvin Diz, Malcom Ferdinand, Garifuna Collective, Yuliesky González Guerra, Yoko Gross, Ayrson Heráclito, Toyomitsu Higa, Takumi Hosokawa, Kolektif Choublak (Aïda Roumer, Carl-Henry Cadet, Trovania Delille, Yann-Olivier Kersaint), Las Nietas de Nonó, David Leon, Hiroya Maeda, Stéphane Martelly, Camilo Mejía Cortés, Regis Molina, Ayaka Nakazato, Sésé Niyabja, James Noël, Thaís Omine, Dany Arce Paneque, Joceval Santos, John Shades, Riko Sugama, Nanyō Unten, Lia Estelle Widmaier, Akihito Yagi, David Zink-Yi, and others

Meeting point: Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW)

Next date:

• Date Saturday, 01/August/2026 12:00 bis 20:30 ( 1 more date )
• Venue Haus der Kulturen der Welt
• Address John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, 10557 Berlin-Tiergarten