The Experience
Every year, ODUNDE — named after the Yoruba word that means “Happy New Year” — features a week of programs and events leading up to a big celebratory street festival, drawing vendors from various African and Caribbean nations and from across the country.
During the street festival, streets in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood are blocked off to make way for thousands of attendees to enjoy the open-air celebration. Festivalgoers can stroll a 15-block radius centered on the intersection of 23rd and South streets.
The food is a huge attraction at the ODUNDE festival, with a variety of vendors rarely seen at other regional festivals serving all sorts of African, Caribbean and soul food dishes.
More than 100 vendors sell crafts, clothing, jewelry and more. Beyond shopping from local vendors, the festival’s African marketplace promises authentic items from Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil.
A packed schedule of live music and performances also takes place on two designated stages throughout the festival.
— Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia
