Top 10 Festivals In Nigeria

Discover the Best Nigerian Festivals with our Ultimate Guide 🎉

When it comes to vibrant culture, rich tradition, and colourful festivals, Nigeria is certainly one of the best places to visit. This West African country is blessed with diverse ethnic groups, each with its unique culture and tradition. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 festivals in Nigeria that you should not miss. From the masquerade festivals to the colourful carnivals, these festivals will definitely give you a taste of Nigerian culture.

1. Eyo Festival: Celebrating the Adamu Orisa 🎭

The Eyo Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Nigeria, celebrated annually in Lagos. It is a cultural festival that showcases the rich heritage of the Lagosians. The Adamu Orisa is the central figure of the festival, and it is believed to represent the spirit of the dead. The festival is also known as the Festival of the Tides or the Adamu Orisha Play.

What is the significance of the Eyo Festival?

The Eyo Festival is a way of honouring the ancestors of the Lagosians. It is believed that the Adamu Orisa represents the spirits of the dead, and the festival is a way of celebrating their lives. The festival also marks the beginning of the new year in the traditional Lagos calendar.

When is the Eyo Festival celebrated?

The Eyo Festival is celebrated annually in Lagos on the Ida Oloju Meji day, which is the second Saturday of the month of May.

2. Durbar Festival: Honouring the Emirs of Northern Nigeria 🏰

The Durbar Festival is one of the most colourful festivals in Northern Nigeria, celebrated after the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is a way of honouring the Emirs of the Northern Nigerian states, who ride on horses with their entourage in a colourful procession. The festival is celebrated in Kano, Kaduna, Zaria, and other cities in Northern Nigeria.

What is the significance of the Durbar Festival?

The Durbar Festival is a way of honouring the Emirs of Northern Nigeria, who are highly respected by the people. The festival is also a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Nigerian states.

When is the Durbar Festival celebrated?

The Durbar Festival is celebrated after the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which usually falls in the month of August.

3. Osun-Osogbo Festival: Honouring the River Goddess 🌊

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated in honour of the river goddess, Osun. The festival is celebrated in Osogbo, a city in Osun State, and it is a way of giving thanks to the goddess for her blessings. The festival involves a procession to the Osun river, where offerings are made to the goddess.

What is the significance of the Osun-Osogbo Festival?

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is a way of honouring the river goddess, Osun, who is believed to have the power to bless her devotees with fertility, prosperity, and good health. The festival is also a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Osun people.

When is the Osun-Osogbo Festival celebrated?

The Osun-Osogbo Festival is celebrated annually in August.

4. Argungu Fishing Festival: Catching the Biggest Fish 🐟

The Argungu Fishing Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated in Kebbi State. It is a way of showcasing the fishing skills of the people of Kebbi State. The festival involves a fishing competition, where the participants try to catch the biggest fish. The festival also features cultural displays, music, and dance.

What is the significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival?

The Argungu Fishing Festival is a way of showcasing the fishing skills of the people of Kebbi State. It is also a way of promoting tourism in the state.

When is the Argungu Fishing Festival celebrated?

The Argungu Fishing Festival is celebrated annually in March.

5. New Yam Festival: Celebrating the Harvest ☘️

The New Yam Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the Eastern Nigerian states. It is a way of giving thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. The festival involves a procession to the farm, where the first yam of the season is harvested and offered to the gods. The festival also features cultural displays, music, and dance.

What is the significance of the New Yam Festival?

The New Yam Festival is a way of giving thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is also a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Nigerian people.

When is the New Yam Festival celebrated?

The New Yam Festival is celebrated annually in August or September.

6. Calabar Carnival: Africa’s Biggest Street Party 🎉

The Calabar Carnival is one of the biggest street parties in Africa, celebrated annually in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State. The carnival features colourful parades, music, dance, and cultural displays. It is a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria to the world.

What is the significance of the Calabar Carnival?

The Calabar Carnival is a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria to the world. It is also a way of promoting tourism in Cross River State.

When is the Calabar Carnival celebrated?

The Calabar Carnival is celebrated annually in December.

7. Ojude-Oba Festival: Celebrating the King and the People 👑

The Ojude-Oba Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated in Ijebu-Ode, a city in Ogun State. It is a way of honouring the king and the people of Ijebu-Ode. The festival involves a colourful procession, where the different age groups in the community showcase their cultural heritage. The festival also features music, dance, and horse riding.

What is the significance of the Ojude-Oba Festival?

The Ojude-Oba Festival is a way of honouring the king and the people of Ijebu-Ode. It is also a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebu people.

When is the Ojude-Oba Festival celebrated?

The Ojude-Oba Festival is celebrated annually two days after the Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which usually falls in the month of August.

8. Ofala Festival: Celebrating the King 🎉

The Ofala Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the Eastern Nigerian states. It is a way of honouring the king and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The festival involves a colourful procession, music, dance, and cultural displays.

What is the significance of the Ofala Festival?

The Ofala Festival is a way of honouring the king and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.

When is the Ofala Festival celebrated?

The Ofala Festival is celebrated annually in October or November.

9. Igue Festival: Celebrating the Benin Monarch 🏰

The Igue Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated in Benin City, the capital city of Edo State. It is a way of celebrating the Benin Monarch and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people. The festival involves a colourful procession, music, dance, and cultural displays.

What is the significance of the Igue Festival?

The Igue Festival is a way of celebrating the Benin Monarch and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.

When is the Igue Festival celebrated?

The Igue Festival is celebrated annually in December.

10. Sharo Festival: A Test of Bravery 🗡️

The Sharo Festival is an annual festival that is celebrated by the Fulani people in many parts of Nigeria. It is a way of testing the bravery of the young men in the community. The festival involves a mock fight between two young men, who use their fists to hit each other. The winner is considered the bravest and is given a prize.

What is the significance of the Sharo Festival?

The Sharo Festival is a way of testing the bravery of the young men in the Fulani community. It is also a way of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Fulani people.

When is the Sharo Festival celebrated?

The Sharo Festival is