On Sunday, June 8, South Philadelphia will come alive with rhythm, colour, and culture as the Odunde Festival marks its 50th anniversary.
This milestone year promises more than just a street party; it’s a living tribute to African tradition, community spirit, and the power of cultural legacy.
Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez, a Philadelphia social worker moved by a spiritual journey to Nigeria, the Odunde Festival has evolved into one of the country’s largest and most beloved African American street festivals. Now led by her daughter, Oshunbumi Fernandez-West, the celebration stretches across 15 blocks, attracting up to half a million people annually.
A Festival Rooted in Yoruba Tradition
At the heart of the celebration is a spiritual procession that kicks off at noon from 23rd and South Streets. Participants head to the Schuylkill River to make offerings of fruit and flowers to Oshun, the Yoruba river goddess. It’s a powerful ritual that grounds the day in ancestral memory, welcoming everyone into a shared moment of reverence and reflection.
Live Music and Dance Fill the Streets
This year’s lineup is a throwback and a celebration all in one. Two performance stages — one at 23rd and South Streets, the other at Grays Ferry Avenue and Catherine Street — will showcase a full day of music, dance, and cultural displays. Hip-hop legends Rakim and Doug E. Fresh are set to headline at 5:30 and 7 p.m., delivering high-energy performances that capture the festival’s electric energy.
A Marketplace Like No Other
More than 100 vendors will line the streets, transforming South Philly into a buzzing marketplace filled with handcrafted goods, original artwork, African fabrics, jewellery, and natural body care products. Authentic items from Africa, the Caribbean, and South America offer festivalgoers a global shopping experience rooted in African heritage.
Food from Across the Diaspora
No Odunde is complete without its flavorful offerings. From jollof rice and jerk chicken to soul food favourites and Brazilian delights, the festival will be packed with food vendors serving up dishes that reflect the diverse tastes of the African diaspora.
Getting There and Road Closures
Expect heavy foot traffic and blocked roads. Key streets — including South Street (15th to South Bambrey), 23rd Street (Lombard to Grays Ferry), and others — will be closed from 8 a.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday.
Your best option? Take public transit. SEPTA’s B-Line subway drops you near the action at Lombard-South Station. Several buses will be rerouted due to closures, so check ahead using the SEPTA Trip Planner or the Transit app.
Giving Back
Odunde is more than a festival. It’s a nonprofit initiative that reinvests in the community. Proceeds support Odunde 365, a year-round program offering youth classes in dance, fashion, videography, karate, and wellness.
As South Philly prepares for this golden celebration, Odunde stands not just as a festival, but as a legacy. One that continues to bridge generations, continents, and cultures with pride.
