Afifa Khanam, Anwar Shahadat, NEW YORK — Nigerians and members of the Nigerian-American community gathered in Manhattan on Saturday, October 3, to celebrate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day with a parade, cultural activities, and music.
The Nigerian Independence Day Parade began around East 54th Street and Second Avenue and moved through Midtown Manhattan. Participants carried Nigerian flags and wore traditional clothing as music, dancing, and other cultural displays filled the streets.
The celebration continued with a carnival featuring speeches, music, and performances. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined the celebration and spoke about the contributions of Nigerian New Yorkers to the city’s cultural life. Nigerian diplomatic and community leaders also took part in the event.
The annual celebration brought together Nigerians, friends of Nigeria, and members of the wider African diaspora in Manhattan. The event highlighted Nigerian culture, community, and national pride in New York City.

