WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) - A tradition dating back to the 1700s is being restored in Wilmington.
The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts is resuming its Jonkonnu Celebration on Saturday.
The Bellamy Mansion staged Jonkonnu revivals in 2007 and 2008.
Throughout much of the 1700s and 1800s, slaves and free blacks would parade through Wilmington's streets for a few nights in December dressed in colorful costumes with masks and painted faces, singing and dancing.
Slaves were discouraged from observing African traditions.
However, rules were generally relaxed during the Christmas season and enslaved people seized the opportunity to celebrate their African past.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
