The Ohio Paddle, a celebration of Sierra Leonean tradition, is returning to Columbus on July 1 for its sixth annual occasion. Paddle is a masquerade and road carnival that celebrates the music and call-and-response traditions of the Ojeh and Hunting Societies in Freetown.
Originally from the Yoruba individuals, the masquerade has at all times been extra of a social gathering than a secret society. In Freetown, hundreds of individuals line as much as watch the parade from Cline Town within the east to St. John within the west. Hundreds of Sierra Leonean-Americans are anticipated to affix the Ohio Paddle festivities this yr.
The Ohio Paddle was began in 2018 by Sierra Leoneans in Ohio to bridge cultural divides and protect their heritage, and it has been profitable in reaching these objectives.
This yr’s occasion will happen at Kilbourne Run Park, situated at 4625 Westerville Rd in Westerville, OH, from 2 pm to 9 pm. Everyone thinking about studying extra about Sierra Leonean tradition is welcome to attend and expertise the meals, music, and dance that make up the Ohio Paddle.
The occasion, which takes place annually, has an anthem titled “Paddle” by Daddy Rahmanu, a track that describes the custom of the parade relationship again to the early Nineteen Seventies.
To get a way of what to anticipate, try pictures and movies from previous occasions.
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