36th Annual GhanaFest Showcases Ghanaian Culture in Washington Park.
The vibrant colors and rich traditions of Ghanaian culture came to life at Washington Park on July 27th as the 36th Annual GhanaFest drew thousands of attendees from across the Midwest.
Organized by the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) and its Affiliates, this year’s festival, themed “Embracing Our Culture,” continued its legacy as the premier showcase of Ghanaian heritage in the region.
The festival was packed with authentic Ghanaian experiences. The air was filled with the delicious traditional dishes served by various food vendors, offering attendees a taste of Ghana right in the heart of Chicago.
In addition to the culinary delights, vendors also provided a wide array of Ghanaian beauty products, African clothing, art, and accessories, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the vibrant culture.
One of the highlights was the exclusive GhanaFest T-shirts designed by Chicago’s own Ghanaian Converse designer Eddie Oppong, available for purchase.
A young barber and entrepreneur also offered free haircuts, adding a community-focused touch to the event.
The festival was further enriched by the artistic talents of Ghanaian-American artists, including Osei Agyeman Badu and Akua Kwateng, who showcased their works at the festival’s art exhibit.
The festival also featured a special appearance by Ghanaian-American Miss Windy City, Kokui Annani-Akollor, who engaged with the younger generation, inspiring them to connect with their cultural roots.
The festival’s partnership with Vipsocio, an integrated ticket service provider, also highlighted the event’s commitment to building bridges between the Ghanaian community and other African cultures.
A focal point of GhanaFest was the parade of chiefs and Queen Mothers, representing various tribes, adorned in their traditional regalia.
The parade, accompanied by live music from world-traveled musicians, provided a spectacular display of cultural pride and unity.
The Youth Village tents were a hit with younger attendees, offering activities like dance competitions, Ghana trivia, and a bouncy house.
GhanaFest has grown exponentially since its inception, now attracting over 5,800 guests annually. The success of the festival in Chicago has inspired similar events in other cities with significant Ghanaian populations, demonstrating the influence and reach of this cultural celebration.
Under the leadership of GNC President Kassim Abubakari, now in his second year, GhanaFest® has continued to evolve. This year’s partnership with the CIRCLE Foundation, which brought a team of student workers to assist with the festival, marked a new chapter in the event’s history.
This collaboration was born out of the Foundation’s recent initiative to take 18 youths to Ghana, further solidifying ties between the diaspora and the homeland.
The festivities extended into the next day, with a much-anticipated soccer match in Jackson Park at 4:00 PM. Soccer fans were thrilled as the Chicago Ghana team took to the field, defending their title as the 2023 African champions in Chicagoland.
The GNC encouraged families to come out and enjoy this thrilling conclusion to GhanaFest2024.
For more information about the Ghana National Council and future events, visit gncchicago.org.
