"However far a stream flows, it never forgets its source." - Yoruba Proverb
Every June children of the descendents of Africa and lovers of the culture alike converge upon the city of Philadelphia for their annual Odunde Festival. There is a large processional where celebrants bring offering for the Orisa Osun, to be deposited (legally) into the Schuylkill river. Afterward, a festival begins with performances, vendors and all types of lovely feasts for the senses to partake. Last years festival was cut short (at least for us who traveled from MD) because of a huge rainstorm that began shortly after the procession was finished. I managed to capture some lovely pictures of the river ritual before the rain began.
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| Participants young and old gather for the procession |
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| Participants walk to the river, to bring their offerings and prayers to Osun. |
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| The procession lead by the Agan (Ancestral Masquerade) and Drummers stops at the crossroads to give offerings to Baba Esu | | |
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| A participant wears the brass bangles of Osun Worshippers |
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| As worshipers arrive at the river prayers and various offerings are given | |
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| As we return from the river, I notice Esu's offerings still awating at the crossroads even after the police escort and fanfare ended. ORE ESU ! |
