Indeed, tt’s that time of the year again! The largest African American festival in North America, ODUNDE, returns this weekend to South Philadelphia on Sunday June 9th, 2024 beginning at 12 noon. Undoubtedly, this street festival brings together people from all over to celebrate community, culture, and the African Diaspora in Philadelphia.
ODUNDE Returns
Sunday in Philadelphia, all roads lead to ODUNDE. The festival is held every year on the second Saturday in June. Moreover, this street festival is the biggest of its kind in North America. ODUNDE, which means “Happy New Year” in Yoruba, begins at noon with the historical procession to the Schuylkill River at South Street bridge. In keeping with the West African based origins of the festival, gifts of fruit and flowers are brought to honor the Goddess Oshun – the deity of culture, civilization, art and love.
“We are so thrilled to be able to invite ODUNDE attendees back on South Street. Be immersed in the African, the Caribbean and African American culture through
our diverse food offerings, entertainment, and history! I can’t wait to see everyone procession at noon where we honor our ancestors, including my mom and the late ODUNDE Founder Lois Fernandez, and we bring our offerings to the Goddess Oshun and ask her for a blessed ODUNDE and a Happy New Year,” said Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, ODUNDE, Inc. Chief Executive Officer in an official press release.
Firstly, attendees can enjoy a day-long of events celebrating and uniting the African Diaspora in Philadelphia. Next, support the community and shop local vendors. Lastly, enjoy live entertainment across two stages. Specifically at 7pm, multiplatinum R&B phenom Dru Hill will close-out the festival with a performance you won’t want to miss featuring some of the their classic songs including “Tell Me”, “5 Steps”, & “Beauty”.
About The Festival
Important to note, it all began in 1975 by Lois Fernandez and a $100 grant. Markedly, the festival now draws hundreds of thousands of people from throughout the Philadelphia area. Moreover, people travel from the Mid-Atlantic region, and across the world to attend.
Specifically, now in its 49th year, the ODUNDE Festival is designated as an official City event. With an estimated $30 million economic impact on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a $28 million economic impact to the City of Philadelphia, the festival is a cherished and meaningful tradition.
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