Experience the rich tapestry of cultural festivals in Nigeria and Africa! From Nigeria’s Leboku Festival in Yakurr to Kenya’s Maasai Mara celebrations, these events are filled with vibrant music, dance, and traditions. Join us on a journey through the heart of Africa’s most iconic celebrations.

Discover the Best Festivals in Nigeria this August

Nigeria is a country known for its vibrant culture and rich traditions. One of the best ways to experience this is by attending the various festivals that take place throughout the year. In August, there are several exciting festivals happening in Nigeria that showcase the diversity and beauty of the Nigerian culture. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, these festivals are a must-visit. In this article, we will explore some of the best festivals happening in Nigeria this August.

1. Leboku Festival – Cross River State

History and Significance

Leboku Festival is celebrated by the people of Ugep in Yakurr LGA of Cross River state. It’s held annually to appease the goddess of fertility and purification ‘Ekoi Leboku’. 

The festival commemorates the new Yam harvest with cultural performances like music and dance.

Activities and Highlights

Public parade of engaged maidens.

Wrestling contest and cultural dances.

Procession of the “Etangala” masquerade.

Colorful costumes and new yam delicacies.

Beauty contest and marriage rites.

2. Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osun State

History and Significance

Osun-Osogbo festival is an annual event celebrated in Osogbo, Osun State. Dedicated to the river goddess Osun, the indigenes believe that the festival bring blessings and fertility.

The fourteen-day festival culminates with the Arugba (votary maid) leading a massive procession from the Ataoja’s palace (town’s King) to the main Osun shrine where rituals and libations are performed.

The festival is a combination of traditional and religious practices.

Activities and Highlights

Grand procession to the Osun Sacred Grove.

Traditional rituals and prayers at the river.

Cultural performances like music, dance, and drama.

Art exhibitions showcasing local talent.

3. Iriji Mbaise Festival – Imo State

History and Significance

Celebrated by the Mbaise people of Imo state, Iriji festival marks the end of a yam farming cycle and the beginning of a new farming season. 

The event celebrates the yam as the king of crops and showcases the cultural heritage of the Mbaise/Igbo people.

The hosting rights of the event rotates annually among the three Local Government Areas of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, and Ezinihitte Mbaise.

Activities and Highlights

Traditional kolanut breaking ceremony

Artistic Yam barn exhibition and musicals

Feasting and eating of the new Yam (Ji ahuru n’oku)

Thanksgiving to the ancestors of the land

Abigbo dance and Ekpe display

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