Afrekete Weekend Retreat

Afrekete is the word for the Ocean Mother energy of the Arara Tradition in Africa, from the Dahomey region in present-day Benin.

The African Traditions were brought to Cuba with the transatlantic slave trade, where they metamorphosed into Afro-Cuban traditions. Afro-Cuban became the cauldron of all the later derivates of Song and Music, including Rumba, Son, and Salsa.

Those Afro-Cuban Traditions have been introduced into Australia by Cuban migrants and refugees, and kept alive by Australians who visited Cuba who also brought with them Afro-Cuban artefacts and music and dance.

Like the Universal Mother, through Afrekete’s annual events, it advocates for an inclusive community, celebrating cultural diversity and intercultural sharing.

The next retreat is on 7-9 June 2024 on the beautiful Magnetic Island off Townsville. In the local Wulgurukaba language, Magnetic Island is known as Yunbenun and the weekend immersion will start with an Official Ceremony by local elders and Afro-Cuban spiritual leaders and continue to a weekend of workshops in dance, drum, song and culture.