Thousands of Nigerians on Saturday transformed the streets of Manhattan into a sea of green and white as they gathered for the country’s 66th Independence Day Parade and Carnival.
The colourful celebration brought together Nigerians from across the United States, alongside diplomats, professionals, families, students, cultural organisations and community leaders.
The procession began on East 54th Street and moved down Second Avenue, passing Nigeria House before ending around East 44th Street.
Participants waved Nigerian flags, danced and sang as floats, traditional outfits, drumming and music filled the streets of Manhattan.
Among those who joined the celebration were UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, and Consul-General in New York, Abubakar Jidda.
The parade featured participants representing different Nigerian ethnic and cultural groups, with traditional attire adding colour to the procession.
The celebration later moved to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, where the parade gave way to a carnival featuring live music, Nigerian cuisine, speeches and entertainment.
Afrobeats stars Patoranking, Runtown and BNXN, formerly known as Buju, performed for the crowd, drawing enthusiastic singing and dancing from hundreds of celebrants.
Nigerian food vendors also served traditional meals and snacks, adding another dimension to the cultural showcase.
Children and young Nigerians danced alongside older members of the community, creating a multi-generational celebration of Nigerian identity and heritage.
For several hours, the plaza offered a taste of Nigeria in the heart of Manhattan, bringing together the country’s music, fashion, food, languages and traditions.
The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians has coordinated the annual Independence Day celebration in New York since 1991.
The organisation said the event was established to unite Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines while promoting a positive image of the Nigerian community in the United States.
For many participants, the celebration provided an opportunity to mark Nigeria’s independence while reconnecting with their culture, friends and fellow Nigerians in the diaspora.