The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is returning to New Orleans in 2022.
The festival, which was held virtually in 2020 and 2021, will be back to a live in-person experience next year under the theme “It’s the Black Joy for Me!” It will also continue to incorporate virtual programming for attendees both live and around the world.
“The reimagining of the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans as a ‘phygital’ — fully physical and fully digital — experience will be epic,” Caroline Wanga, CEO, Essence Communications, Inc., says in a statement.
She adds, “Given what we have collectively experienced over the last two years, the opportunity to convene and uplift in the spirit of culture, equity, celebration — and joy is more of a privilege and honor than it has ever — been. We look forward to our homecoming in the City of New Orleans and to strengthening our impact as a cornerstone of Black culture, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion – working always to serve Black women and communities deeply.”
It’s all set to kick off June 30 and run through July 3. More details on the fest, including ticketing, schedules, talent line-up and COVID protocols, will be announced in January.
The ESSENCE Festival of Culture, launched back in 1995, has become the world’s largest celebration of Black women, culture and communities, according to organizers.
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