Nigeria is well known for a variety of things, one of which is its rich culture. More than 200 million people live in the West African nation, who are separated into more over 300 tribes. Nigeria is the ideal location for traditional, religious, social, and cultural festivals due to its diversity. Communities, groups, and societies with related beliefs frequently participate in festivals together.
Some of the festivals and holidays in Nigeria occur annually at specific dates, just like in other nations. Nigeria’s most popular festivals, When do they occur and where are they held?
Some Festivals Held In Nigeria
(a) The Argungu Fishing Festival : Also known as Argungu dance festival is a yearly four-day celebration held in the town of Argungu in the Kebbi state in northwest Nigeria. To commemorate the end of a decade-long war between the Kebbi kingdom and the Sokoto empire, the celebration was first held in 1934.
This phenomenon occurs in February, frequently at the start of the fishing season and the conclusion of the farming season.
The event is distinguished by demonstrations of water sports, fishing contests in the Mata Fadan River, customary Kebbawa ceremonies, and a presentation with an agricultural theme.
(b) Calabar Festival : is frequently referred to as “Africa’s largest street party.” It is a yearly celebration that takes place in Cross River State every December. Donald Duke started the event with the intention of celebrating Christmas early. Today, the festival is utilized to promote the state as a major tourist destination. Traditional dances, beauty contests, and fashion exhibitions distinguish it. This carnival lasts for two weeks.
(c) Dubar Festival : Is an Hausa Festival in Nigeria. Thousands of Muslims from Nigeria take part in a beautiful display of Islamic and equestrian activities over the course of the Durbar Festival’s four days. The occasion occurs at the conclusion of Ramadan and kicks off Eid al-Adha. Thousands of men in turbans and other traditional garb parade through the streets of the country’s largest cities during the event. The states of Katsina, Sokoto, and Kano are particularly fond of the celebration. The festival first appeared in the 14th century.
(d) Lagos Festival: The Caretta Carnival of Lagos is another name for the Lagos Carnival. The broader Lagos Black Heritage Festival, a yearly folk festival in Lagos, includes it in its schedule. The origins of the celebration go back to the colonial era, when it was used to commemorate the release of slaves who had been imprisoned in Brazil. Before it was revived in 2010, the event had been lost to memory for several decades. Dramatic performances, songs and dances, as well as a variety of other culturally based activities are used by participants to honor the occasion.
(e) New Yam Festival : One of the most well-liked Igbo festivities in Nigeria is the New Yam Festival. It is used to recognize the community’s culture and overall well-being, celebrate life, and signal the start and conclusion of the farming season. Early August, when the rainy season ends, is when the yearly celebration usually takes place. The Igbo tribe’s numerous subtribes are brought together during the occasion as well.
