17 Sep NYC NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL 2017 DATES ANNOUNCED
NYC NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE & FESTIVAL
2017 DATES ANNOUNCED
October 6-8 Kicks Off Largest Three-Day Celebration of Nigerian Culture Outside the Homeland
NEW YORK, NY – Nigerians around the world are gearing up for the “largest gathering of Nigerians” in commemoration of the 57th anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence Day. The three days event will showcase Nigeria’s unique culture in New York City on October 6 – 8, 2017. Since its founding in 1991, the NYC Nigerian Independence Day celebration has become the largest observance of Nigeria’s independence outside of Nigeria.
On October 1, 1960 Nigeria gained its independence from Great Britain. The day has since been recognized as a public holiday in Nigeria and is celebrated in Abuja and in Nigeria’s 36 states with dancing, singing and other festivities.
Now in its 26th year, the NYC Nigerian Independence Day Parade and Festival is organized and presented by the Nigerian Independence Day Committee, a coalition of Nigerian cultural, religious, professional, business, and civic groups committed to preserving, presenting and celebrating Nigeria’s rich history and culture.
The 2017 NYC Nigerian Independence Day Parade and Festival events will include:
- Nigerian Cultural Night 2017
Friday, October 6, 2017, 7pm -12am
Tickets: $15-20
Jamaica Performing Arts Center
153-10 Jamaica Avenue
Queens, NY 11432
An annual cultural celebration of music, food, and fun where attendees of all ages are asked to wear their favorite cultural attires and be prepared to dance, sing and celebrate the night away. Nigerian DJs will be on-hand spinning the most popular Nigerian and afrobeat hits.
- The Nigerian Independence Day Parade 2017
Saturday, October 7, 2017, 11am Sharp
Free and Open to the Public
Parade Route Begins at 2nd Ave and E. 54th Street and ends at E. 44th Street in NYC
Known as the largest celebration of Nigeria not happening in the homeland, the 26th annual Nigerian Independence Day Parade celebrates the very best of Nigeria’s food, culture, music, and people. The route will end at Nigeria House, and will be followed by the Independence Day Festival at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza near the United Nations Headquarters.
- The New York African Restaurant Week Mega-Food Festival & Day Party
Sunday, October 8, 2017, 12:30pm -7pm
Tickets $10-80
Industry City
274 36th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232
In partnership with New York African Restaurant Week (NYARW), Nigerian Independence Day celebration participants are invited to join more 25 restaurants and food vendors representing cuisines from various parts of Africa and more than 30 participating exhibitors and vendors across fashion, arts, culture, and community organizations. The NYARW Mega-Food Festival will also include live DJ performances, a day party, and more.
Tickets and more information about the 2017 Nigerian Independence Day events can be found at oanweb.org.
About the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians
The Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) Inc. (the coordinator of the Nigeria Independence Day Celebration in NYC) was founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Nigerian to address the needs of the Nigerian community. At that time, Nigeria and Nigerians were suffering seriously from negative stereotypes in the American media. Prior to OAN’s formation, no organization existed that was committed to broader issues facing the Nigerian community in the United States. OAN filled the void by creating an umbrella organization, which embraced Nigerians from all walks of life, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. OAN immediately dedicated itself to enhance the image of Nigerians in the U.S. and address the negative stereotypes of Nigerians in American media and culture.
For more information:
Contact – 646 733 8201 or 646 342 2914
Visit www.oanweb.org for vendor registration and additional details.