Odunde Street Festival is one of the most acclaimed street events of Philadelphia. The Yoruba word Odunde means "Happy New Year." This festival reflects the African culture in this American city. Each year Odunde allures spectators and vendors from all over America and also from Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria and Guinea. The Odunde Festival in Philadelphia is more like a vast family reunion. The culture, tradition and customs of Africa and other regions of the Caribbean dominate the region with its fragrance. This annual Odunde Street Festival is held on every second Sunday of the month June. The genuine taste of Africa is neatly brought to South Street of Philadelphia, which is considered to be the oldest and historically significant African-American neighborhoods.
The overwhelming sights, merry making sounds and pleasing smells fills the air with joy and happiness. The thumping and rhythmic beat of the drums compliments the vividly colorful selection of African fabrics and other handmade products, which are often transacted in this festival. This festival is enjoyed amidst vigorous trade. The unique African textiles and crafts work excite the visitors, who happen to experience the African life amidst pure American city of Philadelphia. The tantalizing aroma of African spices add to the sumptuous African delicacies on an outdoor grill satisfy the visitors appetite.
he festival begins in the South Street with an incredibly lengthy procession to the Schuylkill River. Holy prayers
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T are offered to the respective deity at this river seeking blessings of the Almighty. The procession then returns back to the South Streets for the rest of the celebration. This festival has almost earned recognition ever since its four decades. The three-days of family-friendly events with cultural and historical touch have made this festival a well-known attraction of Philadelphia.
The events in Odunde Street Festival revolve around projection of the authentic African marketplace made up by the vendors not only from Africa and America but also from around the world. The vendors from Caribbean and Brazil raise great stalls of various commodities that are their exclusive national produce. To avoid congestion during this time, private vehicles are not allowed in the festival streets and the tourists are advised to avail public transport.
The South Philadelphia founder - Lois Fernandez, who was inspired by similar celebrations in Africa, first celebrated Odunde. The concept of this festival originates from the Yoruba people of West Africa and Nigeria. The main theme is to celebrate the coming of another new year for the unity of African-Americans. The sponsorship of this festival is derived from Odunde, Inc. It is an educational and cultural organization cultivating the African diversity and the yearly Odunde Festival. While attending the Odunde Street Festival, the spectators can stay in the Rittenhouse Hotel, Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel, Korman Communities – Rittenhouse, located close to the festival streets. The festival starts from 8.30 am and continues till dark.
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