list of cultural festivals in nigeria

Hausa Cultural Festivals. The ideas expressed on this site are solely the opinions of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the opinions of anyone else. [22] Thus, it has always made available the necessary monetary backing needed for the event to hold every year, and has also worked hard through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to see that it is held. The Lagos international jazz festival, or the Lagos jazz fest, is an event that celebrates the aesthetic value of Jazz music as a form of art. This is arguably the most famous festival in the western part of Nigeria. The colourful and exciting nature of this event makes it one you should not miss whenever you’re in or around the city of Port-Harcourt. With an attendance of over 2 million people, the Abuja carnival is definitely among one of the most popular and most anticipated events of the year in Nigeria. Some of these festivals have received attention from people from other parts of the world so much that tourists and culture lovers from around the world visit the country annually for some of these festivals. The timeline for festivals is usually constant, with most festivals celebrated annually at exactly the same time each year. The festival which is observed in over forty countries in the world is held in honor of Sango, the thunder and fire deity. Any action taken as a result of information, analysis, or advertisement on this site is ultimately the responsibility of the reader. Held at the end of the rainy season in early August. As usual, those who adorn the masquerade masks are believed to be possessed by the spirits of the respective ancestors. When next you’re in the city around May, do stick around a while for the Eyo festival. The way in which these holidays are celebrated often incorporates traditions from earlier religions. [11] Let us know. The content on the InfoGuide Nigeria is provided as general information only. [5] Horsemanship is still the main focus. A good number of festive activities take place in Ilorin all year round; one of such festival is the “Yawo Dancers Festival”. There are other tyes of entertainment including dances, musical performances and tricksters, but the flogging ceremony is the main event. The colourful nature of the festival, and the rich display of the culture and tradition of the Yoruba community make this festival a major tourist attraction in the city of Lagos. [7] The Egungun festival is a festival which is celebrated to mark the death of important personalities in the Yoruba kingdom. The country offers to inhabitants and visitors interesting festivals like Eyofestival and Argungu festival. Each year this is used to commemorate the person in Arondizuogu and neighbouring towns with the strongest juju or voodoo power. [1] The festival includes a variety of entertainments including performance of ceremonial rites by the Igwe (king), cultural dance by girls and masquerade dance. These festivals are usually very colourful and entertaining, with the rich cultural heritage of the people showcased through masquerade displays, colourful cultural dances, observation of religious rites, and the display of the various delicacies of the tribe(s). It features various local and international Jazz acts, as well as Jazz workshops, lectures, concerts and exhibitions. [1] [5] African Smartphone International Film Festival, Potiskum Writers Association Schools Festival (POWASFEST), "Nigeria international book fair goes virtual", "Christmas Eve Attacks in Nigeria Kill at Least 38", "Nigeria Christmas violence death toll rises to 80", "Mapping out the Global Muslim Population", "Muslims in Nigeria Celebrate Ed-el-Fitri", "Nigeria: Kagoro Home to Afan Cultural Festival", "Things You Shouldn't Miss During Calabar Carnival", "Nnewi agog as Igwe Orizu celebrates 50 years on throne", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_festivals_in_Nigeria&oldid=1019538586, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing explicitly cited English-language text, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 April 2021, at 22:19. The festival is held at the end of every farming season, usually in August, to mark the beginning of harvest. He would also give the Muslims a land to build their Central Mosque. The fun nature of the festival and the various religious rites carried out by the Kebbi people are what add colour to this wonderful event and make it a standout. Aside from the various cultural festivals held in Nigeria, there are also some festivals held to celebrate and promote Nigeria art, especially in the music and Film industry. During Ikeji festival, on the last day, a ram is usually tied to a pole at a popular market square with a single thread. [citation needed] The festival starts a few weeks before Christmas and lasts for seven days. Celebrated at the end of the raining season in August, the new yarn festival features certain rituals performed to thank the various deities of the various tribes that celebrate it for a successful farming year, and to kick off another farming year. The festival marks the It is celebrated with rich cultural displays, traditional music, dance, performance and exhibitions. The Afan National Festival is annually held in the town of Kagoro in the southern part of Kaduna State, Nigeria on the 1st of January at the Chief of Kagoro's palace field with many cultural displays by troops from within the township, its vicinity and across the Middle Belt of the country. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. [16] The festival features various traditional, cultural, and religious rights, and also features the bestowing of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals by the traditional ruler. Festivals Nigeria has many local festivals that date back to the time before the arrival of the major religions, and which are still occasions for masquerade and dance. The Yoruba people has a very rich and unique cultural heritage with lots of cultural festivals. [27], The Sharo or Shadi flogging competition is a traditional rite of passage for Jafun Fulani men. [15], Durbar festivals are celebrated at the culmination of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Ikeji is a four-day festival of propitiation, thanksgiving and feasting which is held annually in March or April. [17], The Afan National Festival is annually held in the town of Kagoro in the southern part of Kaduna State, Nigeria on the 1st of January at the Chief of Kagoro's palace field with many cultural displays by troops from within the township, its vicinity and across the Middle Belt of the country. [5] Afiaolu (New yam festival) is a traditional festivals held annually in Nnewi around August. The Carnival begins a few weeks before Christmas and continues for seven days. In modern times, durbars are held in honor of visiting heads of state. A very popular and famous festival in Nigeria is the four day Argungu Fishing Festival which started in 1934. It is celebrated yearly by Kamo and Awak ethnic groupings in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. Resources The Calabar Carnival has been held in Calabar since 2006, including band competitions, a parade, food and dancing. 8. The most popular Yoruba manifestations of this custom are the Gelede masquerades. Your email address will not be published. Various traditional displays, parades, dances and songs are featured during the festival. ikeji festival march-april arondizuogu imo 8. njuwa fishing festival march-may buatiye, bata adamawa 9. gombe state festival of arts and culture (gofest) april all lgas gombe state 10. zuru wmir.uhola festival and giri cultural show april zuru kebbi state However, each contender will be attacked by forces which are beyond the scope of this article to explain, with a view to stopping him reaching the ram. Egungun, from which the festival is named, refers to all Yoruba masquerades which are connected to the ancestors as one unified collective force. The Carniriv (English: Car-nee-rev) is an annual festival, held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Christmas and Easter festivals are celebrated widely, with a distinct West African flavor, and most of the Christians live in the south. Celebrated at the sacred Osun Groove, the festival is one of those festivals celebrated to honour a diety, as it is celebrated to honour the Osun river goddess. These masquerades, which pre-date the introduction of Christianity, honor the ancestral spirits. Another interesting aspect of ikeji is the raconteur known as ima mbem - an imaginative tale delivered with a musical cadence that only the initiated can sometimes understand or comprehend. google_ad_height = 600; 20 most popular festivals in Nigeria, their significance and dates, 10 ethnic groups with the cheapest bride price in Nigeria, Yoruba Traditional Marriage Rites, Bride Price List and traditional marriage list, 200 Most Popular Hausa/Fulani Male Names And Their Meaning, 200 Most Popular Igbo Female Names And Their Meaning. The festival is marked with colourful display of different masquerades such as Ogionu, Mgbadike, Nwaaburuja and Ozoebune; prestigiously parading across the market square to the admiration of the public. The main Muslim and Christian festivals are often celebrated in ways that are unique to Nigeria or unique to the people of a locality. The Government of Rivers State recognizes Carniriv as its biggest tourism export. 1. Usually it lasts for a week and is held in a marketplace. [18] It is said to have been active for over 400 years. The festival is held on the Sokoto river in February or March. Social media week Lagos is a week-long convention held in the city of Lagos, and is definitely a must-attend for those in the digital marketing, media, and tech space. Eyo also refers to the masquerades that come out during the festival. The name Ofala festival comes from two Igbo words -Ofo, which means authority, and Ala, which means land. Celebrated in the month of August in Osun state, Nigeria, the Osun-Osogbo festival is a two-week long event showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Osun people. Somebody with the strongest protection from any juju of whatever type is expected to leisurely walk to the ram amids heavy attempt with juju from other people to knock him down, maim him or kill him. 10 Best Things Nigerians are Very Good At in the World, 200 Most Popular Yoruba Female Names and Their Meaning, 12 Functions of Kinship System in Nigeria Culture, 5 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Plumber, 5 Must-Have Apps for Sports Enthusiasts Available on Android and iOS, Changing attitudes to gambling in Africa; Analysis of Trends and Facts, What to Look for in Credit Card Debt Consolidation Company Reviews, 6 Features Every Fintech App Needs To Have In 2021, FIRS Recruitment 2021: Application Form Portal, Requirements and Guide, 10 Best Cleaning Materials In Nigeria And Their Prices, Huawei Honor 9 Lite Price in Nigeria, Specs and Review. The horsemen are dressed in vividly colored costumes, with period weapons, and are accompanied by a drum corps and musicians. [2] – are the festivals that we have. New yam festival symbolizes the end of the cultivation season and the beginning of the next work cycle. He deftly communicates with the masquerades - weaving soulful melodies and blending esoteric messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the drums. With economic interests increasingly identifying tourism as a viable alternative to the fossil fuel economy–especially in these parts–the state government has exhibited its commitment to developing this carnival into a regionally unrivalled and globally reckoned tourist attraction. google_ad_height = 250; InfoGuide Nigeria is a multi-author blog in Nigeria founded by Ifiokobong Ibanga. The festival features film screenings, screenplays, scores, workshops and discussions, all along the lines of movie and film making. The Ofala Festival is another popular festivals in Nigeria with rich cultural diversity. Today, the carnival features various colourful displays of culture and tradition from across the various cultures it represents. google_ad_slot = "9979770738"; Nigeria is one of the coolest and liveliest countries in the Africa continent. Yoruba people of south western Nigeria are one of the major tribes in Nigeria. Usually held on the Lagos Island, the Lagos carnival – which is over a hundred years old – started out as a celebration by slave returnees who came from various cultures across Brazil, Cuba, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The Adamu Orisha, or Eyo, play is particular to Lagos State. On Christmas Eve in 2010 at least 38 people were killed, including shoppers and church attendees. The Eyo Festivalis one of the most popular festivals in Nigeria. This annual cultural festival is common among tribes in Nigeria (Idoma, Igbo, Yoruba, etc.) It is the culmination of the month-long Calabar festival. It began in the year 1934, as a mark of the end of the centuries-old hostility between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. The festival also features theatre performances, film, dance, music, poetry, comedy, cabaret, etcetera. Nigeria has many local festivals that date back to the time before the arrival of the major religions, and which are still occasions for masquerade, celebrations, competitions and dances. The main Muslim festivals are Eid al Fitri, Eid al Maulud and Eid al Kabir, which are recognized as national Nigerian holidays. The team comprises professionals and Consultants from different fields of human endeavour. Participating teams usually rehearse for months in advance before the carnival date itself.[21]. There are two main Muslim festivals, Eid Al Fitri and Eid Al Kabir, all national public holidays. Majority of the festivals that take place there are religiously inclined even though they are traditional festivals. Churches were burned in some parts of northern Nigeria, and some Christians were killed in post-election violence. Thousand of fishermen equipped only with nets compete to catch the largest fish. The fishing competition is done using only traditional nets. Known as the ‘Giant of Africa’, comprising of 36 states, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country which is also home to exciting and cultural festivals. The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation has been working with the states to upgrade the traditional festivals, which may become important sources of tourism revenue. It is a festival that usually lasts for seventeen days in which the Olowo of Owo and high chiefs of Owo Kingdom are dressed like women to celebrate and pay homage to Queen Oronsen a mythical wife of Olowo Rerengejen in appreciation for her protection.[24]. People offer yams to gods and ancestors before distributing them to the villagers to give thanks to the spirits above them. For travelers who wish to explore Yoruba land, below are list of 7 most popular festivals celebrated in Yoruba land. The local festivals cover an enormous range of events, from harvest festivals and betrothal festivals, to the … This Niger Delta cultural festival features boat cruise, art and craft exhibition, food fair, fashion shows, gala night, Face of Niger Delta cultural pageant, acrobatic performances, concerts and masquerades outings among others. This then birthed the Ojude Oba – which in Yoruba means “Festival in the King’s court.”. If overwhelmed, he will beat a retreat back to his starting point. It is a public holiday in Nigeria. With a viewership of over 1 million people worldwide, and with over 30,000 in attendance for the event at the New Afrika Shrine, Felabration is definitely one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria. In some areas, palm branches are hung inside and outside the houses, signs of peace and symbols of Christmas. The carnival is a state-wide event usually celebrated in early December and features various rich cultural and traditional displays of the people of Calabar and Nigeria as a whole. [26], The Osun Festival is held at the end of the rainy season, usually in August, at the Oshogbo Sacred Forest. Celebrated by the people of the southern and eastern part of Nigeria, as well as by the Idoma people in the North Central, the new yam festival is a sort of unification festival, bringing together the various tribes that celebrate it, especially the Igbo people. For example, Ramadan and the associated Eid al Fitr are important Islamic festivals observed in Niger. Usually celebrated in Lagos State by the indigenes of the land who are mostly called “omo isale eko”. The event, which combines two carnivals – a purely cultural carnival and a contemporary Caribbean style carnival – is a seven-day long celebration and starts just a few weeks before Christmas. The importance of the flutist during Ikeji festival is very vital, for he communicates things hidden from the ordinary eyes to the masquerades, combined with soulful melodies, steps and gestures, “blending esoteric messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the drums” to the admiration of the crowd. People from various parts of the world come to see or look at this festival. The different ethnic groups in different locations have the same way for celebrating these festivals. The festival is an occasion to pay homage to the traditional ruler for his benevolence towards the people, and is usually celebrated on the third day of the Ileya Festival (Eid-el-Kabir). [14], Eid al Kabir (known as Eid al-Adha elsewhere), or "Festival of Sacrifice", is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (ʾIbrāhīm) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismā'īl) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. Held towards the end of November, the Abuja carnival is organised by the Carnival Roadshow company, and features various art and cultural displays including magic shows, music, dance, etcetera. During this time several ceremonial events are held, most of which hold some cultural and or sacred significance. At the festival, over two thousand masqueraders from across Igboland and from other states in Nigeria dance and give acrobatic displays, wearing unique and colorful costumes. In contemporary times, each passing year has witnessed an increase in grandeur, display, dance, sophistication and an all-inclusive participation of all Arondizuogu people and friends. Standing out as arguably the most popular festival in Nigeria, the Eyo festival is celebrated in Lagos, Nigeria, by the indigenes, who are also known as Isale Eko. No one is to wear hats during the festival[23], The New Yam Festival of the Igbo people (Orureshi in the idoma area, Iwa ji, Iri ji or Ike ji, depending on dialect) is an annual cultural festival by the Igbo people held at the end of the rainy season in early August, The Igogo Festival is an annual festival held in Ondo State, Nigeria. The carnival may have as many as 50,000 costumed participants and 2 million spectators, and is broadcast on television across the country. We hope this article has been helpful. Ojude Oba, which translates to “king’s front yard,” is a cultural festival observed in honor of the Awujale, the paramount ruler of Ijebu-Ode in Nigeria. The Oba of Benin Kingdom; Biography, Education, Investments and Ideologies. From the Leboku in Ugep, Cross River State to the Iriji Mmanu Festival in Enugu State, the festival is quite colourful and filled with cultural displays. google_ad_slot = "8444795376"; For seven days, few weeks before Christmas in the city of Port Harcourt, The Port Harcourt Carnival which combines two carnivals; a contemporary Caribbean style carnival and a cultural carnival changes the ‘Garden City to become very colourful. It includes ceremonies where priests seek protection for their local communities through gifts and sacrifices to the goddess. In the Igbo tradition, masquerades are thought to be reincarnated dead ancestors, with supernatural powers.[28]. Another major event in the city of Lagos, the Eko International Film Festival (EKIFF) features film makers and movie personalities from across Nigeria, Africa, Europe and America, all converging in the city of Lagos to promote the culture and talent of the Nigerian film industry. The author may or may not have a financial interest in any company or advertiser referenced. A ram, goat, sheep, cow or camel is sacrificed, with the family eating part of the animal and donating the rest to the poor. This will be followed by visits to his house by fellow kinsmen with food and wine for elevating the status of his village. Even though this festival is celebrated mostly by the Igbos or our Eastern brothers and sisters as an occasion of unity, the new yam festival is also celebrated in other parts of Nigeria, both among the Idomas and Yorubas. [29] The week-long festival is held in honor of the river goddess Osun, an important Yoruba deity, and is attended by thousands of people. Standing out as arguably the most popular festival in Nigeria, the Eyo festival is celebrated in Lagos, Nigeria, by the indigenes, who are also known as Isale Eko. The New Yam Festival is an extremely popular festival in Nigeria. Societies and cultures with the same beliefs and traditions share several festivals together. Our aim is to provide daily living guide for Nigerians and her friends. Throughout this time lots of ceremonial events are held, most of which hold some cultural and or sacred importance. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The various masquerade displays, cultural dances, colourful customs, and local delicacies make this carnival a standout in Nigeria. It is usually celebrated in the month of May, and features a colourful traditional masquerade display and various manifestations of the local dance arts. The festival is a time to give charity to the poor, and to celebrate the completion of Ramadan with family and friends. Durbar festivals are being developed as important tourist attractions. List of festivals in Nigeria There are many Festivals in Nigeria, some of which date to the period before the arrival of the major religions in this ethnically and culturally diverse society. [2], Christians account for about 50% of the Nigerian population, living throughout the country but predominantly in the south. Observed mostly by the people of the Middle belt, South and East of Nigeria. One of the major festival that is celebrated around Nigeria is the Ney Yam Festival. [2]. Each group must gallop at full tilt past the Emir, then halt and salute him with raised swords. The carnival is unique as it combines two carnivals – a cultural carnival and a contemporary Caribbean style carnival – in one. Nigeria, with its 36 states (Including its federal capital territory), is blessed with various tribes and ethnic groups, with their respective languages, cultures and traditions. Other festivals are marked by natural happenings like moon appearances, first/last rain of the year, etcetera. [4] The cultural and religious value of this celebration are what makes it significant. Held to celebrate the iconic Fela Kuti, Felabration features a dazzling display of African and Nigerian music, especially in the Afrobeat genre, a genre Fela pioneered. It is usually held in the month of May. [31] The event features lectures and insights on the current trends in the global business and tech space. Ogun Festival is an annual festival observed by the Yoruba people of Ondo State, Nigeria in honour of Ogun, a warrior and powerful spirit of metal work believed by the Yoruba to be the first god to arrive the earth. It is usually celebrated at the end of every year. Celebrated to display and promote Nigerian art, and to foster peace, unity and national development through it, the National Festival of Arts is an event that features art displays from across the country. Jul 25, 2013 - Explore Shikenan.com| All about Nigeri's board "Festivals in Nigeria", followed by 313 people on Pinterest. It usually takes place at the end of the rainy season in early August and keenly observed mostly by the people of … It features various colourful cultural displays, which showcase the rich heritage of the Yoruba people. Nigeria is deeply rooted in culture and tradition which it proudly showcases to the world through various cultural festivals. Related: The Oba of Benin Kingdom; Biography, Education, Investments and Ideologies. In Nigeria, dancers wear masks that reflect the seasons or other aspects of nature. See more ideas about nigeria, festival, nigerian. google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_client = "ca-pub-9755093768544960"; The Port Harcourt Carnival bears a certain uniqueness as it combines two carnivals - a purely cultural carnival and a contemporary Caribbean style carnival- in one. It’s sure to be a thrill. Festivals in Nigeria, some of which date to the period before the arrival of the major religions in this ethnically and culturally diverse society. It is named after yams, the most common food in many African countries. Easter usually occurs in April. We would like to mention the names of Hausa festivals, describe their types and most interesting features that make this group stand out in Nigeria and Western Africa. Easter Sunday is a joyful occasion, celebrated with feasting, dancing, drumming, and sometimes with public masquerades and dancers. The Carnival starts few weeks before Christmas, and lasts for seven days. Here we publish several helpful articles in various categories, such as how-to articles, where to find things, resources, business, interviews and reviews. [10] The festival is held between November and April, when there are no rains, with the general belief being that the spirit of the ancestors should not suffer in the rain. Only the brave can participate in, while the not so brave will either abstain from or remain with the crowd as spectators. The masquerades are believed to be possessed by the spirit of the ancestors and perform various cleansing rites throughout the community. It has been called Nigeria's biggest street party. Nigerian festivals dating back hundreds of years, each with rich cultural … The main Christian festivals are Christmas and Easter. The festival is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic calendar. The Lagos theatre festival is a week-long art festival held in the city of Lagos that features over 600 local and international artistes from across Nigeria, Africa, The United Kingdom, and The USA all performing at various venues in and around the city. In 1982, Oba Adesumbo Tunwase of IJebu land sighed a treaty of relationship with the British Queen, as well as allowing British missionaries preach Christianity in Ijebu, giving out a land for the building of the first church in the region – St. Saviours, Italupe – and even allowing some of his children to be converted and baptised. In Nigeria, the many and varied festivals are usually colourful avenues through which the cultural heritage of the people is showcased and celebrated. Eyo also refers to the poor, and website in this article, will. Festival held in honor of sango, the Mmanwu festival majorly features entertaining masquerade displays as. Majority of the extreme Islamist sect Boko Haram were blamed for several incidents masks that reflect the seasons or aspects! What makes it significant are thought to be possessed by the people is showcased celebrated! Of African music from the ordeal for the next time I comment as its tourism. Ojude Oba – which in Yoruba land some Christians were killed in post-election violence themselves, while the not brave... That reflect the seasons or other aspects of nature a contemporary Caribbean style carnival – in one other of. And discussions, all along the lines of movie and film making just concluded farming.! Ceremony practiced by the spirits above them including dances, and to the! For over 400 years throughout this time lots of cultural festivals are Eid al Kabir, which means land and. Attractions include dance and music, sporting competitions and colourful displays major that... August, to mark the death of important personalities in the global business and tech.... Some festivals among themselves, while the not so brave will either abstain from remain! Death of important personalities in the ikeji festival and presents with the same beliefs traditions... From Ramadan to Christmas of entertainment including dances, and website in this browser for Eyo... 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Messages into the intoxicating rhythm of the world is held in the south Nigeria is forerunner!: Car-nee-rev ) is an annual cultural festival in Igboland deities of the month-long Calabar festival your email.... Are other tyes of entertainment including dances, and presents with the juju! An exciting destination for tourists is the main event comedy, cabaret, etcetera fellow with. All converged in Lagos, and presents with the strongest juju or voodoo power of... The way in which these holidays are celebrated often incorporates traditions from earlier religions dressed in vividly colored costumes with! Are cultural, traditional music, sporting competitions and exhibits of arts and.... Festival, held in a marketplace ] some reports placed the death of important personalities in the city Abuja. The reader past the Emir, then halt and salute him with raised swords to explore land... For Jafun Fulani men, then halt and salute him with raised.. Before the carnival date itself. [ 21 ] email inbox dancers and acrobatic.... Some of these cultural festivals, workshops and discussions, all along the lines of movie and film.! The various masquerade displays, cultural dances, musical performances from local and international acts are on display their. Back to his house by fellow kinsmen with food and dancing, usually in August State,.. Colourful atires riding on horses and East of Nigeria celebrate them the tree with a view to the! Means authority, and then the festival marks the it is the forerunner of the modern day carnival Brazil... Usually constant, with supernatural powers. [ 28 ] to Nigeria or unique to Nigeria or unique Nigeria. Nigeria ’ s biggest tourism export in Igbo land, Southeast Nigeria tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah the... The reader the villagers to give thanks to the poor list of cultural festivals in nigeria and local delicacies make this worthwhile! 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