The Yam Festival: A Celebration of Nigerian Culture
In early August, once the rainy season has ended, the Igbo people celebrate their culture with the New Yam Festival (also known as Orureshi in the idoma area, Iwa Ji, Iri Ji, or Ike Ji, Otute, depending on dialect).
Celebration of the end of harvest and the start of the next work cycle is marked by the Iri Ji festival ("new-yam eating") in many parts of Africa and beyond, most notably in Nigeria and Ghana in West Africa. The festival is deeply rooted in Igbo culture and serves to unite the various agricultural groups that make up the Igbo people.
A. Inaugural Ceremonies
The Ologidi of Ogidi, the traditional ruler of the area, begins the festivities by offering prayers of gratitude to God for the bounty of nature and the significance of yam to the local economy and the livelihoods of the farmers. During the festival, the Oba (Ologidi) of Ogidi land is honored by the royal fathers and dignitaries of other communities, especially those that share boundaries and connections with Ogidi, and thrones, kings, and dignitaries honor the celebration to express solidarity and support of the people.
B. All kinds of music and dancing can be heard and seen during this festival.
Dances, songs, plays, and even acrobatics are performed by local community and cultural groups at the New Yam Festival to spread the joy. Every Nigerian community, including the Ogidi Ijumu, celebrates and gives thanks during the New Yam Festival. Females from Benin are dancing the Ugho.
C. An exhibit of ethnic drums
Legend has it that Yoruba drums were used historically to impart wisdom and tell stories. In honor of the festival, dancers from the neighboring communities perform with a wide variety of traditional drums, each one representing a distinct style of dance and cultural background. In bata dances, you could hear a drum like the Gudugudu or the Iya Ilu.
D. A celebration of creativity and culture
The name "Ogidi" has come to be identified with creativity. For this reason, people in Ogidi wear batik-style clothing reminiscent of Chief Nike Davies' designs when they celebrate the New Yam Festival. Attendees wear also-oke, patterned head wraps, and face paint called "Ankara" to show their cultural pride.
E. Masquerade Fun
Masquerades are commonly worn at celebrations, rites, and rituals. In Yoruba religion and culture, they play the role of gods and ancestral spirits. Festivals and other occasions that bring large numbers of people together often feature a wide variety of masquerades. The audience is entertained by the masquerades while they perform to the sounds of drumming and singing. After a successful harvest, the gods show their approval of humanity by granting them a good year with a plentiful harvest, signaled by the advent of the masquerade. The masks, costumes, and acts of a masquerade ball are all different from one culture to the next.
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