MINNEAPOLIS– Hundreds of Somali-Americans donned in clothes dotted with Somali National flag have turned out in lake street road in Minneapolis city in the State of Minnesota to celebrate and commemorate the Somali independence anniversary.

Somali week which is arguably the largest gathering Somalia is back for the second time after two years of hiatus following the onset and out break of the COVID-19 pandemic which restricted movement and curtailed social gatherings.

On Saturday, the streets of Minnesota resonated with sounds of soothing Somali music, ecstatic kids carrying flags, expo of the Somali culture and heritage including animals, arts and Health lane.

According to the organizers, this event is bringing forth the rich Somali culture and giving opportunity to the younger generation to retrace their origin.

” This is one of the events outside the home country -Somalia, the largest celebration of Somali culture,” said Ali Elmi, chair of the board of directors for nonprofits Ka Joog and Rising Impact

The event which is held annually kicks off on the Somali independence days and brings together individuals from different walks of life including business men and opinion leaders.

It entails town hall meeting which provides platform for leaders from various sectors to exchange ideas, engage in constructive discussions, and envision a prosperous Somalia, Soccer tournament and art and culture expo.

The celebration is expected to run through July 1-July 17 and will serve as an opportunity for Somali- Americans to learn parts of the rich Somali culture

Participants of the event thanked the organizers for convening the event saying it is has significant impact on the Somali youth born in the United States who learn their culture and heritage.

Minneapolis hosts the largest Somali people outside Somalia and it is often considered the little Mogadishu.