Mayor Mamdani celebrates Nigerian culture at Independence Day Parade in New York

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined the Nigerian Independence Day Parade in Manhattan on Saturday, marking Nigeria’s 66th anniversary of independence.

The event, held along 38th Street between Madison and Park Avenues, was organised by the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN). Streets turned green and white as members of the Nigerian diaspora and the wider community gathered for music, food and cultural festivities. Nigerian artists including BNXN, Runtown and Patoranking performed during the celebration.

Mamdani’s appearance followed an online invitation from Nigerian content creator Petahjay. The mayor addressed the crowd, expressing his support for New York’s Nigerian community and his appreciation for Nigerian music. His attendance adds to a growing list of cultural parades he has participated in since taking office, as he continues courting the city’s diverse immigrant communities.