IRAWMA 3.22.24

 International Fest Of Life & Jerk Seafood & Vegan Fest  

The first IFOL was held at Hawthorne Park Racetrack in 1993. It attracted an estimated 6,000 people and almost doubled the following year. Since then, IFOL has been held in venues like City Front Center (DuSable’s land as martin coined it), near Navy Pier, Washington Park, on Chicago’s South side and Union Park, on Chicago’s West Loop where attendance continued to grow averaging over 30 thousand attendees per year.

BEFORE THE I.F.O.L STARTED:

 GhanaFest®️ was created to celebrate the history and culture of the West African nation, Ghana, (formerly known as the Gold Coast) to the children & families of the diaspora. It embraces the special bond of unity between Ghana and the United States while educating the community about Ghana’s rich traditions. GhanaFest®️ overflows with essence from the local chieftains, queen-mothers, their princes, princesses, and other court members parading majestically in opulent regalia as drums beat out rhythmic melodies. Vendors display and sell African arts and crafts while regional cuisine is dished out as liberally as the hospitality. There is dancing, merriment, art, excitement, and most of all, appreciation for the abundance of  harmony in this annual festival. 

Bantu Fest is the most anticipated family festival, and the biggest multi-cultural event of the year in Chicago. A one of a kind festival that promotes Cultural Exchange ~ Bridging the Gap! Bringing together thousands of People from over 30 different Countries & Demographics to Celebrate DIVERSITY, UNITY & LOVE. 

A Taste of Different Countries such as: South Africa, Haiti, Belize, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, USA, Liberia, Senegal, Dominican Republic and more.

The 2 Day Event features: Food from over 30 different countries, Live Bands, Out-Standing Artists from over 15 nations, Drum & Dance, Children Play & Learning activities, DJs, Fashion Shows, Vendors, Arts, Villages Show-casing each featured country, and more.  

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Venue: Midway Plaisance (near the University of Chicago 60th & Ellis) 

 GhanaFest®️ was created to celebrate the history and culture of the West African nation, Ghana, (formerly known as the Gold Coast) to the children & families of the diaspora. It embraces the special bond of unity between Ghana and the United States while educating the community about Ghana’s rich traditions. GhanaFest®️ overflows with essence from the local chieftains, queen-mothers, their princes, princesses, and other court members parading majestically in opulent regalia as drums beat out rhythmic melodies. Vendors display and sell African arts and crafts while regional cuisine is dished out as liberally as the hospitality. There is dancing, merriment, art, excitement, and most of all, appreciation for the abundance of  harmony in this annual festival.