Odunde Files-the early years

According to the official website, Odunde was created in 1975 by Philadelphian Lois Fernandez. Each year the festival is held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attracts close to 500,000 people each summer in June. Odunde officials claim that the festival is the largest African American street festival held in the United States. The concept of the festival is rooted in the cultural traditions of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Odunde celebrates another year for African Americans and the global African diaspora.

The official website states: “It is an occasion 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.”