Festivals of Pride, Heritage Take Over Philly
The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection will demonstrate that moniker on Sunday, June 9, as the host of two huge events celebrating diversity: Odunde, the largest African American festival in the U.S., and PrideDay, honoring the LGBT community. AARP in Philadelphia will be at both events.
In its 39th year, Odunde (“Happy New Year” in Nigeria’s Yoruba language) is a weeklong free festival (starting June 2) featuring crafts, cuisine and music representing African and Caribbean cultures. Anchored at 23rd and South streets, it spans 12 blocks.
This year PrideDay commemorates the 50th anniversary of New York City’s Stonewall riots, sparking the LGBT-rights movement.
The festival kicks off with a pre-party (discount festival fee: $10) on Friday, June 7, and culminates with the parade on Sunday, starting at 11:30 a.m., at 13th and Locust streets.
Marchers will entertain spectators on the 1.5-mile parade route to Penn’s Landing (entrance fee: $15). There revelers can dance, shop and savor food-truck fare.
Stop by the AARP booths at both events to spin the prize wheel and learn about local AARP activities. Join the listening sessions to share your ideas, which will be passed on to local leaders.
For more details, go to odundefestival.org and phillygaypride.org.
—Kim Ferraro
