NEW YORK—Along the streets of Brooklyn at the Commodore Barry Park, came lively music and vibrant colors coming from the lines of vendors at the 37th Annual International African Arts Festival. The Annual International African Arts Festival started on July 3 and will continue to show the African culture to the local community until July 6.
The large festival took up 25 acres. "This year we're four days, and we expect an excess of 50,000 people," said Basir Mchawi, one of the founders since the festival's establishment.
The festival was full of appetizing African foods, bright colored clothing, handbags and jewelry. There were also hand-made wooden masks, decorations with very detailed carvings and fine paintings, all of which were inspired by the traditional African culture.
Diverse people of many backgrounds come to enjoy the many different things in the festival, such as shopping, eating, music and dancing. More than 20 groups of performers come each day to entertain viewers. There were also entertaining programs available for children.
"We wanted to have an event that our people could be very proud of and that they can come out and enjoy themselves" said Jitu Weusi, who started the idea of the festival and is also its founder.
The festival first started at the graduation of the school of Uhurusasa in 1971, and was called the African Street Festival.
"It's a four day splendor!" said Rebecca B. Hall, who has also been with the festival since its establishment 37 years ago.
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