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.

Philadelphia's Odunde Festival, one of the largest African festivals in the entire country, is celebrating 50 years in 2025. Organizers say if you've never visited Africa, Odunde is where Africa is brought to you through food,

The first Odunde Festival was held in 1975. Half a century later, it’s run by the daughter and grandson of co-founder Lois Fernandez.