The Essence Festival of Culture (EFOC) provides an immersive Black experience and economic boom for New Orleans.
According to Axios, the city estimates that the Essence Festival has an economic impact of over $300 million. Since its inception, New Orleans has hosted the event, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to the area.
For its 30th year, the festival brought over 250,000 people to New Orleans for its multiple activities, performances, and discussions. Moreover, EFOC has poured back into the Louisiana city with clean-up initiatives and awareness toward its nonprofits that are bettering the community.
From a tribute to Cash Money Records during the July 5 concert to its local Black artists highlighted within its venue, New Orleans’ pride beamed throughout the festival. On EFOC’s place in New Orleans, Mayor LaToya Cantrell exclaimed proudly that Essence Festival will always have a home there.
“Celebrating 30 years with ‘A Love Letter’ to our city,” explained Cantrell in a post commemorating the event. “With an average of 176,000 attendees per day, this festival brings huge economic benefits and supports Black women’s empowerment.”
At the sponsor welcome reception, Cantrell also spoke of the “gratitude” she felt toward her Essence family for its ongoing commitment.
“But this is really an opportunity of embracing that spirit of gratitude and understanding the city
of New Orleans was meant to host,” the HBCU alum expressed in the posted clip. “And this has been a love, a ladder, and a partnership that has grown and has been woven over 30 years.”New Orleans remains a vibrant city filled with its own historical significance. Being the home of Essence Fest is also a gift that continues to give back.
Essence Fest hopes to keep the party going for decades to come, all taking place in The Big Easy.
RELATED CONTENT: Protect Black Media! Essence Magazine’s Parent Company In Talks To Acquire Refinery29