News Summary
The Sweetgrass Festival in Mount Pleasant, SC, celebrates Gullah Geechee culture and art. Scheduled for July 26, attendees can enjoy basket weaving demonstrations, live performances, and local crafts, all while supporting artisans and learning about this rich heritage.
Mount Pleasant, SC
The 2025 Sweetgrass Festival is set to take place on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Memorial Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This annual event invites residents and visitors from the Lowcountry to celebrate the rich heritage of the Gullah Geechee culture and the art of basket weaving.
Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities throughout the day, including live performances, basket weaving demonstrations, and a chance to explore numerous craft vendors. There will also be children’s activities and an array of local food offerings. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase authentic sweetgrass baskets directly from local artisans, supporting the continuation of this traditional craft.
Having been celebrated annually since 2004, the festival aims to honor the sweetgrass basket art form, which has its roots in the sea islands along South Carolina’s coast. Traditionally crafted from Lowcountry sweetgrass, these baskets may also include elements like bullrush, pine needles, and palmetto fronds.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The art of basket weaving can be traced back to West Africa, where it first originated. This tradition was brought to North America by enslaved West Africans, and the sweetgrass basket practice has been persistently passed down through generations of the Gullah people. Vendors and artisans can often be found throughout Charleston and Mount Pleasant, especially in the City Market and along the US-17 corridor.
As part of the festival, local sweetgrass basket makers, crafters, and artists are invited to submit applications to participate in the festival’s Craft and Artisan Show. Applications are available online, with a submission deadline of June 23. This provides a platform for local artists to showcase and sell their handcrafted items, fostering community engagement and support for indigenous crafts.
Educational Opportunities and Community Involvement
The Sweetgrass Festival is designed to engage individuals of all ages in activities and educational sessions centered around Gullah culture. Previous festival attendees have emphasized the significance of preserving Gullah traditions, especially given the recent societal challenges, including restrictions on education around Black history.
Founded by the late Thomasena Stokes-Marshall, who played a vital role in promoting Gullah culture, the festival serves as an essential cultural touchstone for the community. It facilitates intergenerational knowledge transfer among families involved in basket weaving, allowing younger generations to learn from their elders.
The festival not only highlights the craftsmanship of sweetgrass baskets but also seeks to uphold and celebrate the legacy of Gullah culture in the face of contemporary social and educational challenges. In addition to the aforementioned activities, various historical exhibits and storytelling sessions will be available at the festival, providing attendees with an immersive cultural experience.
As the festival approaches, both locals and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for this enriching celebration of heritage, art, and community spirit.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Gullah People
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Sweetgrass Festival South Carolina
- The Guardian
- Google Scholar: Gullah Geechee heritage
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gullah
- CHS Today
- Google News: Sweetgrass basket making
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
