ODUNDE Festival

ODUNDE was created in 1975 by Lois Fernandez, who brought together her South Philadelphia community to celebrate African heritage and the Yoruba New Year. What began with a $100 grant has grown into the largest African American street festival in North America.

"The ODUNDE festival, whose concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world."

Each year, the celebration is highlighted by a colorful procession from 23rd and South Street to the Schuylkill River, where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. ODUNDE is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from African nations, the Caribbean, and Brazil.