This summer, the heart of South Philadelphia will beat louder than ever before. The drums, the dancing, the colors, the flavors –ODUNDE is back, and this time it’s bigger than history.
ODUNDE turns 50
From June 1 through June 8, 2025, the ODUNDE Festival will mark its 50th anniversary -a golden celebration of African and African American culture that has grown from a local block party into North America’s largest African American street festival.
What began in 1975 with a mere $100 grant and the unwavering spirit of community now draws over half a million people each year. Moreover, it pumps millions into the local economy.
But it’s true value?
Priceless.
Fifty years of ODUNDE is not just a milestone—it’s a movement,” says Oshunbumi “Bumi” Fernandez-West, CEO of the ODUNDE Festival and daughter of co-founder Lois Fernandez. “It’s about honoring our ancestors, educating our communities, and creating space for joy, expression, and legacy
Indeed, joy is exactly what you’ll find. From June 1-7, expect a full week of soul-nourishing, mind-expanding, community-driven events -from yoga in the park to roundtables with African and Caribbean dignitaries.
The week builds to its grand crescendo on Sunday, June 8, when 16 city blocks of South Street are transformed into a cultural carnival. Specifically, attendees can expect two live stages, 150+ global vendors, and a sea of people dancing, eating, and soaking up the rhythms of Africa, the diaspora, and beyond.
From humble roots to global heights
Founded by the late Lois Fernandez and Ruth Authur, ODUNE began with a dream –to bring the spirit of the Yoruba New Year celebration to African Americans in Philadelphia.
With heart, hustle, and help from South Philly neighbors, they planted seeds of what would become a powerful cultural institution.
Today, that legacy is stewarded by three generations of their family.
Bumi, with her visionary leadership, has not only maintained the soul of ODUNDE- she’s elevated it.
In 1996, she assumed leadership and later launched ODUNDE365, an initiative that brings African cultural programming into schools, community centers, and institutions year-round.
Now, Bumi’s son, Adeniyi Ogundana, carries the torch forward, anchoring the festival in tradition while helping it rise into the future. Together, they’ve created more than an event. They’ve built a living legacy.
In the words of Bumi:
This festival represents the heartbeat of African and African American culture in Philadelphia and beyond
Celebrate ODUNDE: mark your calendars
Undoubtedly, ODUNDE is more than a festival, it’s a call to community, to culture, and to celebration. With its roots in Yoruba traditions from Nigeria, ODUNDE represents a spiritual and cultural new year for Africanized people everywhere.
Additionally, the iconic procession to the Schuylkill River, where offerings are made to Oshun -the Yoruba goddess of the river – remains a powerful centerpiece of the event.
Whether you’re drawn by the drumbeats, the bold flavors of Caribbean and African cuisine, the handmade artistry of global vendors, or the unity of spirit, ODUNDE welcomes you.
Come for the vibes. Stay for the legacy, Celebrate the culture.
For the full schedule and latest updates, visit odundefestival.org.