The water carries us home, the water takes us away.
We are the water’s memory, never lost, never still.
Carnival on the Waters
Carnival of Connections is open to all and will feature two distinct formats:
Carnival on the Waters, a one-day event on the Danube exploring themes of water, migration, and ancestral spirituality through performance, storytelling, and rituals.
A Multimedia Interactive Exhibition, showcasing soundscapes, oral histories, and visual art.
Rooted in embodied knowledge, Carnival of Connections will foster intergenerational and intercultural dialogue while celebrating non-religious ancestral practices.
Olokun
The Yoruba deity of the sea, goodluck and wealth. People worship Olokun, the Yoruba sea deity, with seafood offerings, prayers, dances, and rituals at coastal shrines for prosperity, health, and spiritual well-being
Gladys
MAYANJA
A deity in Ugandan mythology associated with rivers and water bodies. It is said that Mayanja governs rivers, streams, and water flow, ensuring their stability and abundance.
People offer sacrifices or prayers to Mayanja for protection, abundant water, food, and safe journeys.
Philip
ORISHA OSHUN
The goddess of beauty, embodying beauty, love, sexuality, water, and divination, is said to have once lost her allure. Orisha Oshun transformed herself into a stunning peacock and flew towards the heavens. The journey was so long that her feathers began to fall off. By the time she reached the sun, the intense heat scorched her colorful plumes, burning the delicate feathers from her head. Despite losing her beauty, she remains known as the goddess of beauty, which is why I choose this goddess to help remind us of our roots.
Sofia
ANANSA EKA ABASI
The goddess of Fertility, also known as the Mother of Gods, is a crucial figure in creation and childbirth. While not directly related to Abasi (the Supreme God), she is celebrated for her life-giving powers. Her dual nature commands both reverence and fear, influencing existence and procreation significantly. The Efik and Ibibio people hold her in high regard within their spiritual traditions. Among her powerful offspring is Obuma, the God of Thunder, often invoked during anger, frustration, or when curses are pronounced, offering divine intervention in difficult times.
Easy
ORUNMILA
The Orisha of wisdom, knowledge, and divination, recognized for his deep understanding of life and creation. His wisdom is considered second only to Olodumare, the Supreme Being. According to Yoruba tradition, Orunmila was present at the beginning of time, making him one of the first Irunmole. After the creation of the world and humanity, he became the chief priest of Ifá, the sacred system of divination used to understand destiny and guide people through life.
JemRose
MAWU
Goddess of birth and fertility.
Mawu is the Goddess of birth and fertility, revered as a creator. Her name means “she who has created all things.” Respected in African spiritual traditions, she is kind yet powerful. Mawu formed the heavens and earth and controls nature and life. She ensures balance and abundance for all living beings. People perform rituals and ceremonies to seek her favor, asking for good harvests, prosperity, and blessings.
Blessing
IKENGA
The Igbo deity of power, insight, and accomplishment is invoked for prosperity in personal and governance pursuits. As a leader, I embody his essence to face challenges with courage and vision. Ikenga represents resolve and honorable success, inspiring me to maintain honesty and lead with harmony and progress.
Cele
The Umugo Cultural Dancers
Are a group of young individuals of Nigerian heritage, born and raised in Austria, who aim to present their cultural roots. Through dance, drama, debates, and other artistic expressions, they acknowledge and preserve their traditions. The group has developed into a platform for promoting African identity and heritage in the diaspora.
Nneka
Program
Carnival of the Waters
When: Saturday, 28.06.2025
Where: Badestelle Kaiserwasser
Procession (land to boat)
Performance (on the Boat)
Procession (boat to land)
Food & Drinks
Free admission!
Exhibition & Party
When: Saturday, 12.07.2025
Where: Flucc
Soundscapes
Oral histories
Visual art
Panel discussion
Performances
Food & Drinks
DJ-Sets
Free admission!
What is it About
Water, Mami Water, Spirituality, Migration, Chants, Storytelling, Poetry readings, Dance, Igbo riddles, Performances, Group meditation, Rituals, Food, Ancestral Awakening – honoring Mami Water.
Focused on engaging the African community, particularly those who are disconnected or, for various reasons, excluded from the Austrian art scene.
Child-friendly activities specifically designed to resonate with African children of different generation in the diaspora.
Emphasis on sharing non-religious ancestral spirituality, deeply exploring themes of home and belonging as well as emphasis on embodied knowledege.
Multimedia Interactive Exhibition: The Carnival on the Water will inform the themes explored in the exhibition space.
This event is conceived as a platform for archiving and sharing knowledge, with the exhibited materials drawn from both the preparation for and the duration of the festival.
Rather than following a traditional show or performance structure, it will present collected materials, including sound installations and visual illustrations.
The exhibition will serve as a culmination of research and knowledge production,
incorporating interviews, oral histories, and storytelling.
A celebratory opening day will feature a moderated panel discussion with four experts.