TOP 10 POPULAR CULTURAL FESTIVALS IN NIGERIA

TOP 10 POPULAR CULTURAL FESTIVALS IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is one of the countries of the world that doesn’t take its cultural diversities for granted.

Among the many uniqueness of the country, cultural festivals are held with high esteem in vertically all groups and ethnicities of the country, Nigeria.

Today we present to you the Top 10 Popular Cultural Festivals In Nigeria with the beauty of them all.

Before we look at the Top 10 Popular Cultural Festivals In Nigeria, let’s briefly look at what cultural festival is all about.

Cultural festival is a type of festival which eventfully presents the gathering of people from different ethnic groups to celebrate a particular event.

Among other types of festivals, cultural festival is one that promotes the cultural diversities of a particular group of people.

In Nigeria, starting from the Yorubas to the Hausa’ as well as the Igbos, different cultural festivals are being celebrated to promote the customs and beliefs of the indigenous people.

Below are top 10 popular cultural festivals in Nigeria for your information and education interest.

TOP 10 POPULAR FESTIVALS IN NIGERIA

1. CALABAR CARNIVAL 

This is a popular cultural festivals in Nigeria which has gotten the interest of foreigners right into the city of Calabar and the country, Nigeria at large.

Calabar carnival which was established in 2005 under the administration of Governor Donald Duke, is a colourful event which takes place on the streets of Calabar.

It is accompanied with music and dance by different, recognized bands which are contestants in the amazing event.

2. EYO FESTIVAL

One of the top 10 popular cultural festivals in Nigeria is the EYO FESTIVAL, celebrated by Isale Eko people.

EYO FESTIVAL is one of the famously large carnivals in the world which is complimented with Dancers and Masquerader, dancing and masquerading around the city.

During the EYO festival, most roads blocked from automobile use which it last upto the maximum of 24 days.

3. LAGOS CARNIVAL

Another popular cultural festival in Nigeria on our list is the Lagos carnival.

The Lagos carnival, similar to the Calabar carnival is a colourful event that takes place on the Lagos island.

It is an excitement full event with lots of entertainment and other activities, inviting the interest of indigenous and foreign tourists.

4. ARGUNGUN FISHING FESTIVAL

The Argungun Fishing festival is a popular cultural festivals in Nigeria, observed in the north, specifically in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

It is a fishing festival with an amazing feature of exciting fishing tournaments.

The tournaments goes pretty competitive with fishers diving into the river to catch fishes. The fisherman with the biggest or largest fish will be declared the winner of the tournament.

5. THE OSUN FESTIVAL

In the western part of Nigeria is the celebration of the Osun festival which is one of the top 10 popular cultural festivals in Nigeria.

The Osun festival is a cultural festival celebrated in the month of February by the people of Osun state.

This festival involves more of spiritually in reunion with the forefathers as well as the purification of the community as it goes beyond merriment and entertainment.

6. THE OFOALA FESTIVAL

OFOALA festival is another popular culture festival in Nigeria celebrated by the Igbo people.

The Ofoala Festival’s name was formed uniquely from two Igbo words; ‘Ofo’ and ‘Ala.’

Ofo means authority while Ala means land. This, therefore presents the purpose of the festival which is to celebrate the authority placed on the leaders of the land.

OFOALA festival is one which Kings as seen making prayers and proclaiming blessings on the people. It is an annual event, celebrated annually in Anambra state.

7. THE NEW YAM FESTIVAL

Another popular cultural festivals in Nigeria is the New yam festival observed mostly in the eastern part of the country.

It features dancing, masquerading and wrestling competitions as well as much merriments.

Significantly, the new yam festival marks the end of a planting season and the beginning of another with Thanksgiving in addition.

8. The SANGO FESTIVAL

A popular cultural festivals in Nigeria celebrated by the Yorubas is the SANGO festival.

The Sango Festival, often held in the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, is an annual festival celebrated every February.

While the festival is celebrated to honour the god of thunder known as SANGO, it attracts visitors from around the world.

9. CARNIRIV

Another popular cultural festival in Nigeria, held weeks before the worldwide Christian Christmas celebration is the Carniriv festival.

The Carniriv festival is celebrated in Port Harcourt and it last for one week.

This cultural festival comprises of two unique carnivals; the cultural carnival and the contemporary Caribbean style carnival.

10. THE DURBUR FESTIVAL

The last but famous cultural festival in Nigeria presently on our list is the DURBUR festival.

The DURBUR festival is celebrated in the northern parts of Nigeria and it is popular in states such as Kano, Zaria, Maiduguri as well as Katsina.

This Festival involves horse parades with the Emir and his entourage, accompanied my musical instruments and players.

The DURBUR festival is celebrated in commemoration of the Muslim holidays and this makes it interesting.

Do you know other popular festivals in Nigeria not listed here? Feel free to mention them in the comment section.