Sun 22 Mar | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: The Salisbury Centre
A Fireside Evening with the Yawanawa People of the Amazon
Resiliance & Prayers in a time of neo-Colonization & Cultural Revival!
We are truly blessed and lucky to have a last minute opportunity to host a Yawanawa family in Edinburgh, at the Salisbury Centre, as part of their European cultural exchange tour! Today the Yawanawá people are experiencing a cultural renewal. With a population of around 1,500 people,their traditions, language, and ceremonies are once again thriving.
Their culture is now shared and celebrated around the world, offering powerful lessons about resilience, connection with nature, and the strength of ancestral wisdom.
When:
22nd March (18:00-21:00)
Book on Eventbrite HERE
About the event
Join us for
An intimate evening with representatives of the Yawanawa people of the Brazilian Amazon
Sharing ancestral culture, traditions, and spiritual wisdom
Traditional prayers and dance
Reflections on how their traditions continue to guide and sustain their community
A space for cultural exchange, connection, and unity
Gathering together in the spirit of community around the fireside
Family Event
Beyond being a concert, it is also intended as a meaningful cultural exchange and an opportunity to raise financial support for the visiting family and their community through ticket sales.
The Yawanawá People
The Yawanawá are an Indigenous people of the Brazilian Amazon who have lived for generations in deep relationship with the forest along the Gregório River in the state of Acre.
Like many Indigenous peoples of the Amazon, the Yawanawá faced colonisation, violence, and attempts to erase their culture. Their population was drastically reduced and their traditions were suppressed. Yet through the strength and determination of their elders and leaders, they preserved their knowledge and continued to pass it on.
Their culture is rooted in a profound understanding of nature, medicinal plants, sacred songs, and spiritual traditions that honour the connection between humans and the natural world.
Mew Yawanawá
Mew Yawanawá is a spiritual leader from the Matrincha village in the Brazilian Amazon and the leader of a large family within his community.
Mew was the last student of the great pajé (shaman) Tatá, receiving important teachings and initiations directly from him, as well as learning with other respected elders of the Yawanawá people. Deeply rooted in village life, he carries and shares the living traditions of his culture, helping to keep the wisdom of his ancestors alive.
Yskunvasi Yawanawá
Accompanying him is his daughter, Yskunvasi Yawanawá, who has been dedicating herself to the spiritual, she is also a singer who carries the traditional melodies of her community. Her voice reflects the spirit of the forest and the strength of the feminine within Yawanawá culture.
Together, father and daughter represent the living continuity of Yawanawá culture and the enduring wisdom of the Amazon forest.
More info on the visiting family members here:
Book Via Eventbrite
Suggested Sliding Scale available
Some exchange place also available for those who would like to support and cannot afford any of the Tiers
Beyond being a concert, it is also intended as a meaningful cultural exchange and an opportunity to raise financial support for the visiting family and their community through ticket sales.
About the Venue:
Salisbury Centre Garden/Fire Pit
Accessibility:
The Salisbury Centre’s kitchen door and toilet are now wheelchair accessible. The Garden can also be accessed by wheelchairs via a movable ramp via the Art Room Annex (e.g we need to ensure the Art Room is not booked by another event)
Please let the organisers know in advance of any access requirements by emailing: Events@SalisburyCentre.org
Arrival details
Please arrive from 18:00 (not before, or please wait outside).
The doors will open at this time, and we won’t be able to let people in earlier.The session will begin at 18:20, so do arrive in good time to land, say hello to others, and greet the place as you wish.
Practical notes
This is an outdoor event and outside can be chilly, so please bring plenty of warm layers (although there will be a fire!) and waterproof just in case
Something warm to sit on (and put on the benches/chairs)
A thermos with your favourite warm drink is also recommended.
After Concert Indigenous Crafts Sale
In the latter part of the evening (20:15–21:00), the Yawanawá family will share and offer some of their handmade crafts and Indigenous items for sale to help raise funds for their travels. There will also be an opportunity to meet them and have a conversation.
Weather considerations & Refunds
In case of severely adverse weather the event will move into an alternative indoor Room at the Salisbury Centre
In case of Cancellation refunds will be issued via eventbrite