Latest news with #StreetFestival
CBS News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia's Odunde Festival brings a piece of African culture to city streets
The 50th Odunde Festival returned to South Philadelphia this weekend as thousands took part in the event that celebrates African culture. Odunde is one of the largest African street festivals in the country, featuring more than 100 vendors offering African-inspired food, clothing, art and more. "I think it's phenomenal," said Pamela Hailey. CBS Philadelphia Hailey traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend Odunde for the first time. She said it's amazing to take part in an event that honors African heritage. "It's nice to celebrate that. It's a beautiful energy. It's a beautiful day," she said. "Each vendor has its own characteristics. It's just that one time to get the one thing that no one else has in the world from that one artist. It's just priceless." CBS Philadelphia Kevin Hudson has been a vendor for the past five years. He said it was great to see people from other cultures enjoy the festival. "It's a melting pot. You have people coming to have a good time. Different cultures meshing. It's like a melting pot. It's a nice way to bring people together," he said. Another festivalgoer, Isaiah, who now lives in Philadelphia, is Nigerian and said Odunde is something that brings him great pride. CBS Philadelphia "What it means for me is like heavily just rooted in Blackness and being African. It's great that other people come and enjoy the festival, but I think it's amazing to just have a space for us," he said. "To have something like this, I think, is hugely precious." He says he hopes the festival continues to grow.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Philadelphia's Odunde Festival, one of the largest African American street fests, turns 50 years old in 2025
The energy is building in South Philadelphia as organizers prepare to celebrate a golden milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Odunde Festival — one of the largest and longest-running African American street festivals in North America. Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez, the Odunde Festival began as a one-block celebration of African culture, tradition, and unity. Today, it spans 16 city blocks, welcomes over 500,000 attendees, and features more than 150 vendors from around the world. This year's festival officially takes place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., centered around 23rd and South streets. A sacred procession kicks off at noon, followed by two live performance stages, a variety of cultural activities, and headlining performances from hip-hop legends Rakim and Doug E. Fresh. "This is not just an event—it's a legacy," said Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, the current CEO and daughter of the founder. For the first time, Fernandez-West is joined in leading the festival by her son, Adeniyi Ogundana, who has stepped into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Together, they're ushering Odunde into its next 50 years, expanding programming year-round through initiatives like ODUNDE365 and Odunde Sports. Street closures as Odunde Festival 2025 begins June 8 Beyond the festivities, attendees are encouraged to plan ahead. Road closures will begin at 8 a.m. Sunday and include: South Street from 15th to 25th Streets 23rd Street from Lombard to Grays Ferry Avenue 22nd Street from Lombard to Bainbridge Grays Ferry Avenue from South to Fitzwater Several SEPTA routes (7, 12, 17, and 40) will also be detoured. Admission is free, and families are welcome to enjoy a full day of live music, global cuisine, dance, art, and Black-owned businesses. For the full schedule and updates, visit the Odunde Festival's website.
