Riva Nyri Précil will present a demonstration of traditional Haitian rhythms, songs, and dances associated with the harvest season, which is closely linked to the spirit Kouzen Zaka.

Kouzen Zaka is the lwa (spirit) of the harvest and agriculture in Haitian Vodou. Kouzen Zaka’s colors are blue and green, and is recognizable by his blue denim clothing, straw hat and djakout (shoulder sack). He is the protector of the peyizan (rural farmers), defender of the poor, and holds supreme knowledge of herbal medicine. For Kouzen Zaka, and farmers would agree, hard work is returned with abundant harvest! For this reason, he is also considered a lwa of sage business decisions. His favorite offerings are tchaka, a stew made with pinto beans, corn, beef, and chayote squash, and white rum infused with wormwood.

—

Presenting in collaboration with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as part of the Fall Harvest Festival. Celebrate the fall season surrounded by Brooklyn’s most fabulous foliage. Enjoy a cider and beer garden, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, lawn games, pumpkin-decorating, hands-on activities for families, and more.

Free with Garden admission.
Click here to purchase tickets for the Brooklyn Botanic Garden » 

—
ABOUT THE ARTIST

Riva Nyri Précil is a Brooklyn-based Haitian multi-disciplinary artist. With a degree in Music Therapy from Loyola University in New Orleans, she has built a dynamic career as an author, visual artist, jeweler, musician, and dancer. Her work honors and modernizes Haitian traditions through projects like Altar Art and Wearable Altar. Renowned for blending Haitian music with African roots, R&B, Soul, and Jazz, she directs Tout Se Pa, providing global dance education. Riva focuses on elevating Caribbean culture, promoting wellness, and facilitating healing through music and dance therapy, utilizing traditional Haitian music to foster self-connection.