BEAUFORT S.C. ()– The 40th annual “Original Gullah Festival” that is full of culture and history offered kicked off day one of three.

Gullah Geechee culture comes from the people who are descendants of enslaved Africans that were then brought to the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina.

Thats why the founder of Low Country Gullah, Luana Graves Sellars said it is important for the low country to have events like this.

“It’s important to know about the history of our area, because we all love it here and the land has been protected for generations because the Gullah love the land,” Sellars said. “That’s why it’s important to not only know about the history that’s here, but also to know about the contributions that the Gullah people have given to the area.”

The festival hosted workshops that people can sign up for, which include doll making, basket weaving, quilt making and etc.

“For us of African American descent, Gullah Geechee descent to be able to celebrate our rich cultural heritage,” Patrice Cole, teacher at the doll making workshop said. “You know, that’s why even within the doll making using the traditional African textiles, it’s just it makes our spirit sing.”

This event is going on from May 23-25 with a full schedule each day starting at 10 a.m. and is located at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort.