INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIAN FESTIVAL.

Nigeria, as scholars say is one of the largest, socially and culturally most diversified countries in Africa. It
has over hundred ethnic groups but three major ones; Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. Because of its diversity
of people and culture, Nigeria over the years has been distinguished in the field of arts; traditional works
that were useful, either for activities or for beautification. The diversity of the country is said to be
reflected in the fact that the country has over 250 identified ethnic groups and three large ethno-
linguistic entities. The cultural life in Nigeria is marked by tradition and traditional form of cultural
events like festivals, arts exhibition, music and dance. This contributes to its uniqueness.

Cultural life in Nigeria; as stated earlier, is said to be extremely marked by tradition and traditional forms
of events like festivals, ceremonies, exhibitions, performance/theatre/drama, music and dance, arts and
crafts, carnivals and so on. This could be traced to the introduction of and the hosting of the 2nd World
Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), this festival was organized with the aim of
awakening the spat of African cultural consciousness.

Festivals are popularly known as occasions that are meant for feasting or celebration, especially during a
period when we need to show religious significance that recurs at regular intervals or an often regularly
recurring program of cultural performance, exhibition or competitions.

Festivals whether religious, cultural or secular play a very essential role in any local community, because
it helps to develop the pride and identity of a people. The people remember their roots, they get more
familiar with their culture, religions and ancestors. It also brings people of a similar culture or ancestor
together where they interact among themselves as one.

Different definitions of Nigerian festivals;

Nigerian festivals are defined by a certain scholar as vibrant cultural expressions that reflect the diverse
ethnic identities, traditions, and historical narratives of Nigeria. These festivals serve various purposes,
including religious observances, communal bonding, and the celebration of cultural heritage. They often
involve rituals, music, dance, and art, playing a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural values
across generations.

It is also popularly defined as cultural celebrations that reflect the rich traditions, beliefs, and social
practices of various ethnic groups in Nigeria. This definition agrees with the former about the contents
of these festivals, that they involve music, dance, rituals, and communal gatherings, and the festivals
serve as a means to preserve cultural heritage, promote unity, and they also display local artistry. They
can be religious, agricultural, or historical in nature, highlighting the diverse identities within the
country.
Festivals provide an opportunity for the local communities to develop and share their culture, it
showcases values and beliefs held by the individuals in a local community and provide opportunity for
members of the local community to exchange experiences and information. Festivals provide visitors the
opportunity to see how the local communities celebrate their culture thereby creating room for
intercultural communication and help people to enjoy and meet their leisure needs.

However, it is also believed that some festivals are no longer celebrated to bring out the values in them.
It is obvious that the practice of traditional religion is declining rapidly particularly in the area of worship
and cultic activities. There is a preponderance of female oriented cults in Ijebuland in which women
occupy important and significant positions. During various cultic activities and celebration, women
participate fully, and at times, they are the sole officiates. Though some of these festivals are no longer
celebrated with all pomp and pageantry with the advent of Christianity and Islam in Ijebuland, like in
other places. Yet, there is persistence in the observances of some certain festivals in spite of social
change brought about by the foreign religions and modernity.

Aspects of the Nigerian world are mostly expressed through cultural festivals which constitute a
cornerstone in the people's identity. However, the dearth of festivals in Nigeria has depreciated
Nigeria's cultural identity. Therefore, scholars and researchers are challenged to rediscover the place of
festivals as iconic symbols of Nigeria's cultural identity. Although dimensions of Nigerian culture which
includelanguage, literature, music, and sundry idiosyncrasies exist, festivals occupy a pride of place in
Nigeria's cultural landscape. These festivals are mostly performed to celebrate the people's heritage or
lubricate the continuum between the physical and spiritual realms, most of them mainly expressed
through ritual processes. Some Nigerian festivals have either become comatose or abrogated. In this
way, Nigeria's cultural identity has diminished in the eyes of the world. Given the loss of cultural identity
due to the gradual diminishing of these festivals, their revival has become necessary.

But from the above definitions, it is clear that festival is a celebration, a feast, a season of musical or
other performance which involves joyfulness and merry making. The masquerade on the other hand
plays a very significant role in the history and culture of communities in Nigeria. Though background
origin of masquerade may differ, their overall role like traditional dances can be classified into
categories. For instance, there are masquerades whose major role may be pure entertainment,
ceremonial, rituals or a combination of some or all of these.

All over the world there are occasions when people of different religions and ethnic groups come
together and celebrate an important event. Such celebration or event is regarded as festivals, which has
to do with the whole community. Festivals are important and significant aspects of life. They are the
most important activities for social and religious purpose and they represent occasions of feasting and
celebration involving series of performances, entertainments, merry making, ceremonies and rite.
Festivals are institutionalized aspect of people’s culture which continues from time to time to play
important role in the society.
From the above, it is evident that there is no aspect of Yoruba life that can be understood without
proper understanding of the religion.

There are two types of festivals which are:

1. Minor festival day

2. Major festival day

Minor festival day are regarded as ojo ose (holy or sacred day), which are often at five day, seven day,
seventeen day and twenty-one day interval depending on the divinity. The major festival is called odun
(annual festival). It is used to express both the seasonal circle and the annual circle. It is both year and
festival, which explain why people pray at festival that: a-seyi-sa-modun (Just as we celebrate this year,
we will celebrate another year).

Festivals emphasize the belief in the continuity of the society and that each divinity has an annual
festival associated with him or her. The king has a special ritual to perform during each festival as
observed in Osun-Oshogbo festival by the Ataoja of Oshogbo and Eyo festival by the Oba of Lagos. It
should be reiterated that the life of a community is renewed through festivals and that festivals bring
the people together as a group, positing that religion and social values are repeated and renewed
through communal festival. Therefore, rituals and festivals are religious ways of implementing the
values and beliefs in the society and it is the means through which people give thanks for the past year
and seek protection in the year to come.
Festivals preserve tradition, culture and religion. They give full and eloquent expression to religious
sentiment and belief and also strengthen the social bond that binds the member of the community, thus
encouraging group solidarity. Festival builds the relationship between people and through it, religion
becomes a dynamic, living faith which continues to be relevant to the people and to all aspect of their
life, despite the influence of Islam, Christianity and Western culture.
In another perspective, the significance of festivals lie in the fact that they illustrate among other things,
historical event, coming of age, harvesting of crops and appeasement to various gods for protection.
Festival is the cultivation of nature and the celebration of history, which are re-current rituals (Religious
drama). Through festival the people remember their past leaders and ask for their help and protection.

Festivals are used to purify the whole state, so that the people can enter the New Year with confidence
and hope.

In most Nigerian festivals, religious activities play a prominent role and that each festival has the
following characteristics:
A. Performance of a kind of rite: passage rite, sacrificial rite, seasonal or commemoration observance
and rite celebrating the end of fast, at shrine, an altar or any solemn spot.
B. People gathering together at a community centre or market place.

C. Communal eating and drinking.

D. Dramatic dancing music playing and athletic displaying.
Tourist Attraction:

Tourist destinations are developing and promoting the cultural and heritage of the people as a means of
attracting and enhancing visitor experience. This is also because cultural and heritage tourism is being
used as a tool to boost local economy and has the potential to aid in the seasonal and geographical
spread of tourism.
Cultural tourism is described as peoples’ movements for essentially cultural motivations, which include
study tours, performing arts, cultural tours, travels to festivals, visits to historic sites and monuments,
folk lore and pilgrimage. Festivals are therefore classified as a type of cultural tourism. Cross River State
is an emerging tourism destination in Nigeria. It is endowed with a few cultural festivals. These include:
Marina Water and sports, New Yam Festivals (hold annually in ten local government areas of the state),
Wrestling Festivals (take place in seven local government areas of the state), Obudu Mountain Race
( holds once a year ), Boat Regatta (takes place in four local government areas), Ekpe Festival
( masquerade dance which is common among the Efiks and Quo people of the state ), Laboku
International festival and Christmas Festival ( holds once a year). Of all these festivals, the most popular
and most developed is the Cross River State Christmas Festival.

Types of Festivals.

Religious Festivals:

These are tied to spiritual beliefs and practices, often celebrating deities or significant religious events.
There are various religious festivals that reflect the cultural and spiritual practices within different
societies. He emphasizes the significance of these festivals in promoting community bonding, cultural
identity, and spiritual renewal. Key themes include:

Celebration of Faith: Festivals often commemorate important religious events, such as births, deaths, or
miraculous occurrences, serving as a time for worship and reflection.

Cultural Heritage: Many festivals integrate traditional customs, rituals, and local practices, highlighting
the uniqueness of different cultures.

Community Involvement: These events often bring together families and communities, fostering social
cohesion and shared values.

Economic Impact: Festivals can also boost local economies through tourism and commerce, providing
opportunities for artisans and vendors.
They are defined as organized celebrations that embody the beliefs, practices, and traditions of a
specific faith. These festivals often involve communal gatherings, rituals, and ceremonies that reinforce
the identity and values of the religious community, serving both spiritual and social functions.

They are significant cultural events that reflect the beliefs and practices of a community. These festivals
often serve as a means of expressing spirituality, celebrating communal identity, and reinforcing social
ties. They typically involve rituals, music, dance, and other forms of artistic expression, illustrating the
interplay between religion and culture in shaping communal values and traditions.

They can also be defined as culturally significant events that celebrate and reinforce the beliefs, values,
and traditions of a particular faith. These festivals are likewise said to often involve rituals, community
gatherings, and symbolic practices that connect participants to their religious heritage and foster a sense
of belonging. They serve as a means of expressing devotion and commemorating important events or
figures in the religion.

Cultural Festivals:

These focus on celebrating traditions, heritage, and the arts, showcasing music, dance, and local
customs. They are events that celebrate the traditions, heritage, and artistic expressions of a community
or group. These festivals often encompass a range of activities, including music, dance, food, art, and
traditional rituals. They serve to strengthen community ties, preserve cultural identity, and promote
intercultural understanding.

Key Elements of Cultural Festivals:

Cultural Expression: Festivals showcase traditional art forms, such as music, dance, theater, and crafts,
allowing communities to express their unique identities.

Community Engagement: They provide a platform for local participation, fostering a sense of belonging
and collective pride among community members.

Education and Awareness: Festivals often include educational components that inform attendees about
the cultural significance of various practices, fostering appreciation and respect.

Economic Impact: Cultural festivals can boost local economies by attracting tourism, generating revenue
for local businesses, and creating job opportunities.

Rituals and Traditions: Many festivals are rooted in historical or religious traditions, providing an
opportunity for communities to honor their ancestors and pass down customs to future generations.

Intercultural Dialogue: By bringing together diverse groups, cultural festivals promote understanding
and cooperation among different cultures.
We will be looking into significance of cultural festivals in African societies. These festivals serve multiple
purposes, including:

Preservation of Heritage: Cultural festivals help maintain and transmit traditions, languages, and
customs to younger generations.

Social Cohesion: They foster community spirit and solidarity among participants, bringing people
together to celebrate shared values and histories.

Economic Impact: Festivals often attract tourism, providing economic benefits to local communities
through increased trade and job creation.

Political Significance: They can serve as platforms for political expression and mobilization, reinforcing
communal identities in the face of external challenges.

Spiritual and Religious Dimensions: Many festivals are rooted in spiritual beliefs and practices, providing
opportunities for communal worship and reflection.

Performances in cultural festivals play a vital role in showcasing and preserving cultural heritage. Music,
dance, and various artistic expressions serve as mediums for storytelling, community bonding, and the
transmission of traditions. These performances often highlight historical narratives, social values, and
collective identities, enriching the cultural tapestry and fostering appreciation among diverse audiences.
They also provide opportunities for local artists to gain visibility and engage with their communities.

Agricultural Festivals:

These mark the farming cycle, celebrating planting or harvest times and often featuring agricultural
shows and competitions.

These festivals typically celebrate the agricultural period in an environment and the cultural significance
of farming practices. These festivals often showcase local produce, traditional farming methods, and
community gatherings, highlighting the importance of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods and cultural
heritage. They may include activities like harvest celebrations, food fairs, and educational workshops,
fostering a sense of community and promoting agricultural awareness.

They are cultural events that celebrate the agricultural heritage and practices of a community. These
festivals typically involve various activities, including traditional rituals, harvest celebrations, exhibitions
of agricultural products, and performances. They serve to reinforce community bonds, showcase local
agricultural achievements, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Key Elements Of Agricultural Festivals:

Cultural Celebration: Agricultural festivals often highlight traditional practices, rituals, and beliefs
associated with farming and harvest.

Community Engagement: These festivals foster community bonding, bringing people together to
celebrate shared agricultural heritage.

Economic Impact: They can boost local economies by attracting visitors and promoting local produce
and crafts.

Educational Component: Festivals often include demonstrations and workshops to educate attendees
about sustainable farming practices and agricultural innovation.

Spiritual Aspects: Many festivals incorporate spiritual rituals, thanking deities or ancestors for a
bountiful harvest and seeking blessings for future seasons.

Diverse Activities: Agricultural festivals typically feature a variety of activities, including food fairs,
competitions, and cultural performances, showcasing the region's diversity.

Significances Of Agricultural Festivals:

Agricultural Festivals hold significant cultural, economic, and social importance. Here are some key
points:

Cultural Heritage: These festivals preserve traditional practices and rituals, fostering a sense of identity
and community among participants.

Economic Impact: They can boost local economies through tourism, sales of agricultural products, and
related activities, providing farmers with a platform to showcase their goods.

Social Cohesion: Agricultural festivals encourage community bonding, bringing together people from
various backgrounds to celebrate shared agricultural practices and achievements.

Awareness and Education: These events serve as a means to educate the public about agricultural
practices, sustainability, and food security issues.

Promotion of Agricultural Innovation: Festivals often highlight advancements in farming techniques and
technologies, encouraging the adoption of innovative practices among farmers.

National Festivals:

These commemorate significant historical events or national identity, fostering unity and patriotism
among citizens.
National festivals refer to culturally significant celebrations that embody a nation’s identity, history, and
values. These festivals often serve to unify diverse communities, promote cultural heritage, and
reinforce national pride. They can include traditional rites, historical commemorations, and modern
festivities, reflecting the social and political context of the nation.

They can also be defined as significant celebrations that reflect a country's cultural heritage, history, and
identity. These festivals often involve public celebrations, ceremonies, and rituals that foster national
unity and pride. They may commemorate important events, historical figures, or cultural traditions
unique to a nation.

Key Elements Of National Festival:

There are several key elements of national festivals, these elements typically include:

Cultural Expression: Festivals showcase the unique cultural heritage and traditions of a nation,
highlighting art, music, dance, and culinary practices.

National Identity: They serve to reinforce a sense of belonging and unity among citizens, fostering
national pride.

Historical Significance: Many festivals commemorate important historical events or figures, connecting
the present with the nation’s past.

Community Involvement: Festivals often involve participation from diverse community groups,
promoting social cohesion and collaboration.

Economic Impact: National festivals can boost local economies through tourism, business opportunities,
and job creation.

Rituals and Traditions: They often include specific rituals or customs that are significant to the cultural
narrative of the nation.

Significances Of National Festival:

Here are some popular significances of national festivals by some scholars.

Cultural Identity: National festivals help in reinforcing a sense of national identity and pride among
citizens. It instills the sense of belonging to a particular cultural group, shaped by shared characteristics
such as language, traditions, values, and history. It influences how individuals perceive themselves and
interact with the world. Factors like ethnicity, nationality, religion, and community play significant roles
in forming cultural identity. This identity can evolve over time, influenced by experiences, migration, and
globalization, often leading to a rich tapestry of connections and interactions among diverse cultures.
Unity and Solidarity: They promote social cohesion by bringing people together, fostering a sense of
belonging. They are fundamental concepts that emphasize togetherness and mutual support among
individuals or groups. Unity refers to the state of being one or forming a whole, often highlighting
shared goals or values. Solidarity goes a step further, implying a commitment to stand with others,
particularly in times of struggle or adversity. These principles are crucial in social movements,
community building, and fostering inclusivity. They encourage collaboration and empathy, allowing
diverse groups to work together toward common objectives.

Historical Remembrance: Many festivals commemorate significant historical events, serving as

reminders of the nation’s heritage. Anniversaries are good examples of this. Labour of past heroes as
well as past events that are worth celebrating in remembrance. This also helps in knowledge of our
nation's history. Historical remembrance involves honoring and reflecting on significant events, figures,
and periods in history. It can take many forms, including memorials, ceremonies, literature, and
education. This practice helps societies acknowledge their past, learn from it, and foster a sense of
identity and continuity.

Economic Boost: Festivals often stimulate local economies through tourism, trade, and commerce. This
boost can lead to higher employment rates, increased production, and improved overall economic
health. Common strategies to achieve an economic boost include tax cuts, infrastructure investments,
and incentives for businesses to expand.

Civic Participation: They encourage active involvement in community activities and governance. Civic
participation in national festivals plays a crucial role in fostering community spirit, national identity, and
social cohesion. Civic participation in national festivals not only enhances the festive atmosphere but
also contributes to a more informed, cohesive, and engaged society.

Promotion of Arts and Culture: National festivals often showcase traditional music, dance, and crafts,
preserving cultural heritage. Promoting arts and culture is vital for fostering community identity and
creativity. With this, communities can enrich their cultural landscape and engage citizens in meaningful
ways.

Educational Opportunities: They provide a platform for educating the public about history, culture, and
national values.

Social Values: Festivals can reinforce societal norms and values, promoting ideals like peace, tolerance,
and patriotism. Enforcing social values involves promoting and upholding beliefs and behaviors
considered important within a society. Balancing enforcement with individual freedoms and diverse
perspectives is crucial for fostering a cohesive society.

Different Religious Festivals.

There are various religious festivals that reflect the cultural and spiritual diversity of Nigeria and other
regions. Some notable festivals include:
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha - Celebrated by Muslims, marking the end of Ramadan and the willingness of
Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. Eid al-Adha, often referred to as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is significant in
Islamic tradition, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
It's marked by prayers, feasting, and acts of charity.

Christmas and Easter - Important Christian festivals celebrating the birth and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, respectively. Christmas is a festive season for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the
saviour of the world. Easter on the other hand is celebrated to mark the death and the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, saving us from death caused by all our sins.

Osun-Osogbo Festival - A Yoruba festival honoring the goddess Osun, focusing on spirituality, fertility,
and community. It is a vital cultural and spiritual event for the Yoruba people, honoring the river
goddess Osun, who is believed to provide fertility, prosperity, and protection to the community. The
festival includes various rituals, such as offerings, processions, and performances that reflect Yoruba
religious practices. It also has a role in fostering communal identity, reinforcing traditional values, and
attracting tourism, which contributes to the local economy.

Ife Festival - Celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Ife, often linked to the creation stories
of the Yoruba people. It is a significant cultural and religious event in Nigeria, particularly among the
Yoruba people. It celebrates the rich heritage of Ife, often regarded as the cradle of Yoruba civilization. It
involves various rituals, including offerings to deities and ceremonies that emphasize community
bonding. The festival not only showcases traditional music, dance, and art but also serves as a means of
preserving and transmitting cultural values.

Durbar Festival - A vibrant Islamic festival featuring horse parades and cultural displays, especially
prominent in northern Nigeria. It features a grand parade of horsemen, putting on traditional regalia,
celebrating the rich heritage and values of the community. The festival often includes music, dance, and
displays of local crafts, serving as a platform for social cohesion and the promotion of cultural identity.

Different Cultural Festivals:

Durbar Festival: Celebrated in northern Nigeria, it features impressive horse parades and displays of
traditional attire, marking the end of Ramadan. The Durbar Festival is known to be a significant cultural
event in northern Nigeria, celebrated primarily by the Hausa-Fulani communities. It marks the end of
Ramadan and showcases the region's rich traditions. The festival is a celebration of culture, identity, and
social cohesion in northern Nigeria.

Eyo Festival: Held in Lagos, this festival honors the dead and features a procession of masked figures,
traditional music, and colorful attire. It is a prominent cultural event in Lagos, Nigeria, deeply rooted in
the traditions of the Yoruba people. The festival honors the deceased, particularly the Oba (king), and
serves as a way to celebrate their life and contributions. It is a vital expression of Yoruba culture and
spirituality, reflecting the community's values and beliefs.
Osun-Osogbo Festival: A sacred celebration in Osogbo, dedicated to the goddess Osun, involving rituals,
dances, and offerings. Osun-Osogbo Festival is a significant cultural and religious event held annually in
Osogbo, Nigeria. The festival has a role in preserving Yoruba traditions, showcasing traditional music,
dance, and art, thereby reinforcing cultural identity.

New Yam Festival: Celebrated by various ethnic groups, particularly the Ibo, to mark the harvest and the
new yam season with feasting and traditional dances. The festival showcases rich cultural practices,
including traditional music, dance, and elaborate attire, reinforcing community bonds. New Yam Festival
is a vital expression of cultural identity and agricultural heritage among the Igbo people.

Calabar Carnival: Known as Africa's largest street party, it showcases vibrant costumes, music, and
dance, promoting tourism and cultural pride. The carnival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria
through music, dance, and colorful costumes, representing various ethnic groups. The carnival serves as
a platform for cultural exchange, showcasing not only Nigerian traditions but also influences from other
cultures. It is a significant celebration of unity, creativity, and cultural expression in Nigeria.

Ajegunle Carnival: A local celebration in Lagos that features street performances, music, and a showcase
of diverse cultures within the community.

Tourism and Nigerian Festivals.

Tourism is popularly defined as an industry and an endeavour which is known to involve the movement
of people; aid sightseeing and travelling to take time off work, searching for distractions or diversions
with pleasurable natures. It equally entails the satisfaction of curiosities concerning peoples of other
geographical location to have a view of different places across the world and it aids acquisition of
momentoes and curiosity for re-living the memory of events and visits. Tourism possesses the capacity
for satisfying man’s natural enthusiasm to gain new experiences and knowledge. It is an enterprise
which is intricately and intimately woven with the entertainment industry.

It is seen as one of the avenues for the promotion, of conservation and dissemination of the Nigerian
culture. To lend credence to the above, a Ministry was created specifically for Culture and Tourism.
These facts become obvious when duly assessed the great tourism potentials lying unexploited in our
culture and traditional theatre, especially festivals. Tourist destinations are developing and promoting
the cultural and heritage of the people as a means of attracting and enhancing visitor experience. This is
also because cultural and heritage tourism is being used as a tool to boost local economy and has the
potential to aid in the seasonal and geographical spread of tourism.

Cultural tourism is described as peoples’ movements for essentially cultural motivations, which include
study tours, performing arts, cultural tours, travels to festivals, visits to historic sites and monuments,
folk lore and pilgrimage. Festivals are therefore classified as a type of cultural tourism. Cross River State
is an emerging tourism destination in Nigeria. It is endowed with a few cultural festivals. These include:
Marina Water and sports, New Yam Festivals (hold annually in ten local government areas of the state),
Wrestling Festivals (take place in seven local government areas of the state), Obudu Mountain Race
( holds once a year ), Boat Regatta (takes place in four local government areas), Ekpe Festival
( masquerade dance which is common among the Efiks and Quo people of the state ), Laboku
International festival and Christmas Festival ( holds once a year). Of all these festivals, the most popular
and most developed is the Cross River State Christmas Festival. The Calabar Carnival is one of the
product lines offered by the Cross River State Christmas festival. Cross River State Carnival Commission
(CRCC) is responsible for the planning, organising and marketing of the festival. The Cross River State
Carnival Commission is established by The Cross River State Law. The major sponsor of the cultural
carnival is the State Government, with very little contribution from the private sector organizations
operating in the destination. There is a clear evidence in literature concerning the benefits of cultural
tourism to destinations where festivals take place. It is reported that festivals contribute to the local
regeneration and prosperity of the destination. This is because it generates new employment
opportunities. It encourages the development of a kind of infrastructure which is visitor friendly and
sustainable. It is asserted that festival tourism enhances residents learning, awareness appreciation of
community pride, ethnic identity, tolerance of others and brings about the opening of small and
medium sized family enterprises. It is also believed that cultural events foster cross-cultural
communication that can promote understanding between the host and the guests. A region can make a
name for itself and establish its competitive position among country or nations through tourism.

Promotion of Nigerian Arts And Culture Through Festivals:

Nigeria is one of the largest, socially and culturally most diversified countries in Africa. Because of its
diversity of people and culture, Nigeria over the years has been distinguished in the field of arts. The
diversity of the country is reflected in the fact that the country has over 250 identified ethnic groups and
three large ethno-linguistic entities. The cultural life in Nigeria is marked by tradition and traditional
form of cultural events like festivals, arts exhibition, music and dance. This paper will examine the
historical trends of arts and festivals as a manifestation of the people’s culture. It will identify several
festivals among the different cultural groups in Nigeria and also reveal the hidden treasure of Nigerian
culture, its existence and diversity. It will analyze the different events that make up the festivals and
survey its contribution to national development. At the end, the paper by contributing to knowledge,
will present vivid account of cultural life in Nigeria both at the states and national levels. It will present
festival as a tool for the promotion of culture, arts, national unity, and personal interaction, the coming
together of different ethnic groups. Equally, the paper will identify culture as continuous and ever
changing. This paper made use of both the primary and secondary sources of data collection which
includes personal experiences and observations, use of library; published and unpublished materials, life
histories, government reports, historical data and information along with previous research. It presents
both historical and present form of happenings in the society today and the world at large. One of the
findings was that cultural festivals aid the promotion of national unity and stability by encouraging
mutual coexistence and relationship among the people. Among other recommendations, it was
recommended that there is need to encourage and promote festivals at the national, state and local
levels in the country for generations to come as this will encourage cultural identity and pride among
the Nigerians.

Culture in a simple term is defined as the ways of life of people with a set of distinctive material,
intellectual, spiritual, social, economic and political identity. According to Elizabeth Henshaw (1986),
culture may be defined as “a realm of consciousness, and mind as the totality of consciousness of the
individual, the man”. Haralambus and Holborn (2014) says that “culture is the whole way of life found in
a particular society” (790), which can be distinguished from society to society although with a close
connection between nations. Culture connects individuals and society to each other in language, norms,
beliefs, arts, lifestyles, and ways of living together, value system, traditions and so on. Culture cuts
across boundaries due to historical relations between groups like trade, inter-tribal marriages etc.

Culture is the totality of the material, spiritual, artistic, intellectual and other accomplishments of a
people which give some indicator of their way of life, their mode of existence and the byproducts of
their type or level of civilization.

The totality of the way of life evolved by a people in their attempts to meet the challenge of living in
their environment, which gives order and meaning to their political, social and economic aesthetics and
religious norms and modes of organization, thus, distinguishing a people from their neighbors.
Cultural life in Nigeria is extremely marked by tradition and traditional forms of events like festivals,
ceremonies, exhibitions, performance/theatre/drama, music and dance, arts and crafts, carnivals and so
on. This could be traced to the introduction of and the hosting of the 2nd World Black and African
Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), organized with the aim of awakening the spat of African
cultural consciousness. This cultural fiesta brought about the coming together of different African
Countries that exposed the Africans to the relevant need for the promotion and preservation of culture.
This event was made possible by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) in
collaboration with higher institutions, researchers and other organizations.

FESTAC 77 later gave life to the beginning of National Festival of Arts and Culture and even Abuja
Carnival. There are also other festivals like; Durbar festival, Boat regatta festival, Argungu fishing festival,
Osun Osogbo festival, Eyo festival, Sharo/Shadi festival, New yam festival, Kwa-Ghir festival, encouraged
in different states, hosted across the country showcasing fascinating and enchanting cultural
celebrations of diverse nature and colours promoting creativity.
According to Ayisi (1972), “festival combine economic and religious activities, for they are observed with
material things”. With the essence of festival in one’s society, it varies according to the ecology and
social structure of the people. Festival in one’s society is to celebrate ones nature, the cosmological
ideas, celebrate life, growth and fertility, celebrate the ancestral spirits of the land etc.

In Nigeria, National Festival of Arts and Culture date back to the end of civil war in 1970. It was specially
designed by the Government to foster cultural interaction and reconciliation as well as build bridges of
understanding and friendship across the nation. There had been several cultural activities celebrated at
different times across different states in Nigeria before the introduction of the National Festival of Arts
and culture.

Years after years, the Nigerian government continued in the promotion of culture through the umbrella
of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST). It is an annual event organized by the National
Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) towards the end of the year, between October and December.
Participants and contingents are drawn from different states including the FCT.The National Festival of
Arts and Culture opens yearly with colourful and richly designed costumes and traditional attire
exhibitions of different states in an open arena like the stadium. The states match alphabetically in their
traditional attires to their own traditional music and dance steps. Also on display are masquerades from
different states with spectacular colours and costumes. The costumes and clothes used by different
states are either sworn, woven, dyed or embroided.

The early Festival of the Arts and Culture took place within the premise and under the eagis of the
British Council which had initiated and fostered the growth of clubs or societies for music, drama, fine
arts as part of its own programme of cultural enlightenment and imperial responsibilities.

Exhibition of Arts and Craft: ranging from pottery, baskets, coral beads/necklaces, glass beads,
metal/rubber anklets, masks, leather works, bags, shoes, hats, caps, beaded shoes, leather and woven
shoes, ivory bangles, bracelets, beautiful Nigerian fabrics and designs; embrioded, woven, dyed or
printed, wood carvings, sculpture, cane works and raffia. The arts and craft help to provide lucrative
employment to the artists and also eradicate poverty and act as a tool for economic empowerment for
the states and the nation at large.

On display also is traditional cuisine. Nigeria has more than 100 types of foods and cultural dishes from
the hundreds of ethnic groups. They come with different nutritional values and freshness which each
method of preparations depends on the people. To be put on display during the food fair competition
are traditional cuisine like; okpono soup, egusi soup, edikanikong soup, afang soup, eba, ewedu,
ekpankukwo, ufensala, but to mention a few.

According to Nigeria Magazine, The all Nigerian Festival of Arts (1970) “was the gathering of the tribes, a
display of skills that dipped deep into the rich store of the country’s cultural heritage”. The festival
consist of competitive and noncompetitive events like drama; showcasing good habits of love, caring,
sharing, honesty, hard work, creativity, vision, costumes and relationship of the people of Nigerians.
There are also folklore, storytelling/ traditional moonlight games, epics, ballad, musical display, dance,
games, traditional wrestling riddles, proverbs, arts and craft, traditional furnished apartments,
traditional wardrobe, children essay writing, children arts paintings and drawings, traditional puppetry,
poetry, state documentary.

Essay writing and children’s drawing; at some point in the festival, there was an introduction of children
essay writing, drawing and painting competition, involving schools and youths to participate in the
festival. Children’s drawing and painting was introduced as one of the competitive events to encourage
the involvement of youths and also produce young and vibrant artist in the society.

Traditional music and dance competition; in the festival, there is cultural expressions through dance,
music, various masquerades displays like the Ekpo masquerade, Eyo masquerade, Ekpe masquerade
among others.There is also competition in Nigerian orchestral music, solo instruments ranging from
string, wind, percussion, songs and dance. The festival helps to showcase the science of dance design
and choreography of the different people.

Cultural market for shopping; at the venue of the festival, there are also provided spaces for the states
and other business people from the different states to display and also make sales of their traditional
articles like the arts and crafts, textiles and fabric, shoes, makeup materials and jewelries. The traditional
fabrics and attires ranges from adire, tye and dye, agbada, raphis, babariga, jumper, shokoto, etibo,
akwete, opushirti, mkpin, ofongisin, onyoyo, woko among others, reflecting the various cultural
backgrounds of Nigerians, with various designs made by designers with local fabrics. The cultural market
display and sales encourage the socio-economic growth of local items like the textile industries, creating
jobs opportunities for the populated youths in the country.

Festivals: Catalyst For Peace In Nigeria:

Festivals have been defined as occasions for feasting or celebration, especially a day or time of religious
significance that recurs at regular intervals or an often regularly recurring program of cultural
performance, exhibition or competitions (The America Heritage Dictionary 2009). Festivals whether
religious, cultural or secular play a very essential role in any local community, because it helps to
develop the pride and identity of a people.
Festivals provide an opportunity for the local communities to develop and share their culture, it
showcases values and beliefs held by the individuals in a local community and provide opportunity for
members of the local community to exchange experiences and information. Festivals provide visitors the
opportunity to see how the local communities celebrate their culture thereby creating room for
intercultural communication and help people to enjoy and meet their leisure needs. Peace which is the
absence of violence is key to the development of any country especially Nigeria that is multi-cultural,
multi-religious with divers tribes and tongues.

Enduring peace is crucial for the development of any region; in addition, it ensures harmony among
people of different cultural and religious group. Therefore, it is imperative to promote activities that will
bring people together with a unifying purpose. This is because an atmosphere of peace stimulates
enabling environment which will attract investors and in turn boost the economy of the locality. Moreso,
peace and unity is very essential for national development, hence, should not be undermined. To this
end, harnessing different strategies which will bring about restoration of durable peace in the nation is
very vital for the prosperity and progress of the country.
Festivals therefore, is one measure which if considered will bring people together because festivals
irrespective of its nature, promote cultural exchange thereby increasing understanding among people of
different regions.
Festivals could be religious, cultural or secular in nature, man generally is full of celebration to mark one
event or achievement hence the need for celebration either for commemoration or for appreciating the
Supreme Being. Most of these festivals especially cultural festivals are influenced by the environment
and they are grouped according to their functions to the different communities.

Religious Festivals
Religious festivals are celebrated to honour the Supreme Being and the different deities in the
communities or to mark a special event in a particular religion; it is headed either by a religious priest,
the head of the family or the king where necessary, this kind of festivals falls under the festivals of non-
ecological liturgical calendars. For instance, Christmas, Easter, Id-el-fitri, Id-el-Malud, for Christians and
Muslim respectively, Owh‟Oyede festivals of the Isoko people, Edjo festivals among the Urhobo people
in honour of Omaloku, Osun Osogbo festivals in honour of the Osun River goddess etc.

Agricultural Festivals
Agricultural festivals are festivals associated with ecological cycle; it symbolizes the conclusion of a work
cycle and the beginning of another. For instance the new yam festivals celebrated within August and
November in the various towns and villages in Nigeria, the opening of the creeks among the riverine
people of Rivers State, where the creek is traditionally locked up in other to allow the periwinkles,
oyster, fish, etc. to mature very well (For instance, Okolofingiari among the people of Bonny) before
they are harvested. Agricultural festivals are celebrated to appreciate the earth goddess, the deities and
the ancestors for a fruitful harvest. The new yam festivals like other agricultural festivals are celebrated
in this form; first invitation is usually open to everyone. What this means is that there is abundant food
for not just the harvesters but also for friends and well-wishers. A variety of festivities mark the eating of
the new yam. These festivities include cultural dances, masquerades parades, parties, etc. all these
activities brings people together and create a platform for peaceful co-existence.

Occasional Festivals
These are occasion to mark the achievement of one special feat or another. Occasional festivals can also
be regarded as secular festivals. In the pre-modern times festivals were held either to remember
conquest in battles, eradication of an epidemic that has ravaged a community or the killing of a terrible
animal that once threatened the community etc. This type of occasional events occurred for memorial
purpose. As these occasions are held, the elders use the opportunity to tell the younger generation of
what happened in the past. This also aided the transmission of the stories of cultural heritage from
generation to generation.
However, in these modern times such occasional festivals are held to herald the return of a man/woman
who has made it in his chosen career or contributed meaningfully in the development of his community.
This type of celebration encouraged hard work among the people as they see it as a mark of honour.
Different dance group and masquerades are always invited to sing and dance in honour of the person in
question. In another view, the National Sports Festivals which Nigeria organizes every two years is also a
good example of occasional festivals that brings young people together to compete for prizes, the
annual challenge that is now called Federation cup football cup, the Music Project Fame organized by a
telecommunication company and the likes are all occasional festivals.

It is imperative to examine some cultural festivals and how they aid social and cultural integration in the
society.
The Osun Osogbo Cultural Festivals

The Osun Osogbo cultural festivals is a unique annual celebration in honor of the River goddess called
Osun in Osun State. The festivals have acquired an International status which is observed by both
Nigerian and foreigners. The festivals are in commemoration of the event that led to the founding of
Osogbo town and the renewal of the mystic bond between the people of Osogbo. River Osun was
believed to have provided the water of life which saved the inhabitants of ancient Osogbo town from
hunger, pestilence and religious wars centuries ago. It is believed to provide protective guidance till
today and the annual celebration is therefore done in reverence and appreciation to the goddess Osun
otherwise referred to as the goddess of fertility.

The Osun is a very powerful deity while the river has mystically divine creatures living under the water.
She is the guardian of the divinity of the founders of Osogbo and is believed to have the ability to give
children to barren women. Also she has the power to heal the sick and the afflicted by means of
medicinal water. The medicinal water is sacrosanct and this is why Osun is worshipped daily and
elaborately celebrated every year in August with pomp and ceremony.

The Arugungu Fishing Festivals

This is another festival that has gained prominence in recent times; this can be attested to by the
turnout of participants both from within and outside Nigeria. Historically, the festival started as an
irregular get-together of the local fishermen residing within the immediate vicinity of the fishing site of
Argungu settlement in the present Kebbi State of Nigeria. The main period of fishing is the dry season
stretching from the month of December to May. This is the period of less agricultural activity and also
the time when the floods would have subsided, people go into fishing because it is a time when farming
is drastically reduced. The method of catching fish is the use of a pair of seine nets known as Homa
which are held in each hand of the fishermen.
Some other cultural events that make the festivals thick include Kabauchi displays, agricultural fair,
traditional dances, drama, boxing, wrestling, camel, donkey and horse races etc. as well as motor rally,
bicycle rally and archery as other compliments. The climax of the festivals is when the signal is given for
fishing to start and the fishermen charge into the river amidst music and songs. Once the fishing is over,
fishermen are forbidden from fishing on the spot again until the next fishing festivals. The person with
the biggest catch carries the day.

Kwagh-hir Puppet Theatre Festivals

This festival represents the supernatural belief in Tiv land. It features puppets and masquerades that
dramatize the pranks and habits of animals and the magic of the spirits. The love for stories, songs and
the skill for handwork especially carvings by the Tiv people are also portrayed. The Kwagh-hir
performances usually consist of drummers, singers, acrobats as well as various works of arts. The theme
of the Kwagh-hir festivals is woven around economic and social problems of the people, traditional and
historic issues in Tiv land. It normally comes up in November or December annually.

Durbar Festivals
This festival constitute a spectacular parade of horsemen from sections of Kano and Kastina Emirates
assembled to exhibit horsemanship and pay homage to the Emir during the Salah festivals and as a mark
of honour for visiting dignitaries on special occasions. Now, the Dubar is not restricted to Kano and
Kastina Emirates but also a common feature of most Emirates of Northern Nigeria. It is a colourful
procession which features contests among the royal cavalry, drummers and trumpeters, praise singers
and wrestler.
All these festivals mentioned above brought people of various strata from different locations together,
both at the local and international level. People made new friends and business contact, the youths
were engaged in one activity or the other; while some were involved in doing brisk business as such
avenues provided opportunity for different kind of businesses to thrive.

Theoretical Alignment
Festivals can be best explained using the functionalist theory; this is because functional theory argues
that social institution is a collective means to meet individual needs. Functionalist maintains that social
institutions are functionally integrated to form a stable system and change in one institution and will
precipitate a change in the other institutions as societies are seen to be coherent, bounded and
functions like organism with their various parts. The various parts of the society are walking toward the
maintenance of social equilibrium.
Therefore, all social and cultural phenomena are seen as functional in the sense of working together to
achieve a set goal. This functions is the contribution they make to the larger system of which they are
part. Functionalism views the society as integrated whole where each unit or sub-system is
interdependent with the other social system. This implies that any unit that has no function ceases to
exist. Hence, festivals have functions within the social system as it has continued to thrive.

Festivals and Peace

One common factor in all these festivals is that it has an atmosphere of merriment, celebration and
draws people from all works of life together. Festivals engender peace because it creates euphoria of
feasting and meeting people of different strata and religious inclination. This can be seen when Christian
clerics come together to break the Ramadam fast with their Muslim brothers even in the heat of the
Boko Haram menace, although there was a snag due to the bombing on a Christmas day but the fact
that it was condemned by the
Muslim community shows their disassociation with the perpetrators of the dastardly act. In the same
vein, during the Christmas and Easter celebration, especially in the Western part of Nigeria where they
have a mix of adherent of Islam and Christianity, The Muslims join in the celebration with their Christian
brothers, this shows elements of peaceful co-existence despite their religious differences. During these
periods of celebration, there is always a get-together and unity of purpose though they come in their
seasons as slated in their religious calendars.

Although one cannot rule out the fact that conflict may arise in cause of festival celebration which may
lead to great loses but its gain cannot be compared with the crisis and damages on our society by its
neglect, this is because periods of festivals are seasons of merriment and engagement in one activities
or the other, for instance, during the Project Fame (a music festivals organized by a Telecommunication
Company to hunt for talented singers) young men and women were drawn from divers culture, tribe
and tongue, they came together to rehearse and sing. Hence with continual interaction they became
acquainted with each other thereby breaking cultural barriers, increasing cultural ties and bond among
people from different cultural group and also creating a platform for intercultural communication. The
gains of festivals is also very glaring when it involves winning prizes as the innovative sense of both
youths and elders are unleashed in mapping out strategies to either attract viewers or win the set prize,
so instead of being engaged in social vices and acts of violence they are occupied with thoughts of how
to achieve their set targets. Festivals have both positive and negative impacts on their host cities, but
emphasis in this paper is focused on its merits rather than the demerits.

Benefits of Festivals
Festivals as explained above have some characteristic features and benefits which are inherent in its
practices both to the individuals and the society at large. Festivals are a recreational activity as it affords
people the opportunity to engage in activities that is pleasurable. Most festivals are activities that bring
happiness and peace of mind to the participants or spectators. During festive periods like Christmas or
Idel-fitr, people make out time for a refreshing break from monotony of work especially in these days
that we are too busy to take out time for our near and dear ones. We have no time to introspect, no
time to interact. Period of festivals brings people together and make people feel homely. More so,
participation in cultural festivals gives a recreation that brings one close to nature.
E.P Modum observed that participation in regular festive activities serves as a means of relaxation of the
mind. The physical activities involved in festivals helps in the long run in maintaining sound health and
achieving a peace of mind, this probably, might be one of the reasons why our ancestors lived longer in
age as they were always involved in regular festive activities which unknown to them enhanced their
physical and mental health and improved the quality of life. Festive activities are more of exercise or
sport than one can think of; Modum concludes his work on festivals by saying that In a society that had
none of the modern recreational facilities such as television, cinema and tennis, festivals were bound to
be an important element of diversion and relaxation as well as a means of social interaction.
Regular participation in festive activities results in the enhancement of interpersonal and intrapersonal
skills. Apart from a time of relaxation, festivals are a way of socialization as it creates opportunity of
meeting with loved ones and enjoys reunion. Festivals gives people opportunity to meet new people,
develop new friendship and strengthen family relationship. In terms of the moral values of society,
festivals played regulatory role and constituted the best expression of the African‟s desire to
communicate with his gods and ancestors, to take part in the process of cosmic regeneration and
harmony. Festive life perpetuated certain values of the traditional society and even guaranteed its
survival.
Again when people are empowered economically it creates stability and reduces violence, hence,
festivals hosting generates economic gain to the host community in that people bring their wares or
goods for visitors to buy. At this period people also buy new clothes for themselves and their children,
food for entertainment, etc. consequently; it becomes a beneficial factor to the people. Benefits of
festivals is abundant among them, there is a considerable focus on developmental benefits of festivals
for the host community. It should be noted that for some festivals in rural communities, this impact
might be limited and relatively small.
However, the magnitude of the economic impact of festivals in rural communities depends on the
characteristics of the festivals such as the length of the festivals as well as factors in the local economy
such as other visitor attraction in the community.

Festivals provide personal benefits such as new or increasing recreational opportunities for families,
individuals and communities. Festivals provide excitement, fun, and great cultural entertainment for
people in the community. Festivals also provide an opportunity to involve people in community activities
who have not previously been active. “Festivals are often intimately related to maintenance and
celebration of community values and, ultimately, to their survival”. In fact, in the case of small festivals,
a local identity is often the most important outcome. Festivals have a number of impacts on the host
city, ranging from cultural, economic, social and environmental.

The role of festivals in fostering peace and social cohesion in the society cannot be overemphasized
because virtually every festivals is filled with fun, entertainment and reinforces solidarity as well as
strengthen ties among members of the community, this is because during festivals people are assigned
with different roles in preparation for the celebration. Festivals celebration also creates room for
exchange, innovation and creativity as it expresses the tangible and intangible expressions and
manifestations of the society‟s values and beliefs.
Also important, is the communal life which festivals portray especially in creating a very high level of
socialization among people of different culture. More so, hosting of festivals can create opportunity for
economic empowerment as people produce locally made goods for sale as souvenirs thereby boosting
local economy which will result to less dependence on government and facilitate development which in
turn reduce community agitation which most often leads to violence.

Having x-rayed the enormous benefits of festivals there should be a concerted effort by the government
to promote and institutionalize cultural, secular or religious festivals at a National scale to sustain its
gain of peaceful society. Peace is paramount for the development of any society and one instrument
which will facilitate peace is festivals, therefore the government should create an enabling environment
for local communities and cultural groups in the country to regularly organize festivals irrespective of its
nature as to keep its citizens lively and engaging, more so they should encourage competitive festivals
among the youths. Effort should be made in encouraging cross cultural festival to break cultural ties
among the diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Most often public holidays are declared during period of religious festivals, these holidays should not
just be periods of relaxation at home by the different adherents but periods of enlightenment and
advocacy for a peaceful co-existence among the multi-religious people of Nigeria.

Nigerian festivals play a crucial role in socio-cultural development by fostering community cohesion,
preserving traditions, and promoting cultural identity. Here’s how they contribute:

1. Cultural Preservation: Festivals help maintain and celebrate traditional practices, languages, and
customs. Events like the Olojo Festival and the New Yam Festival keep ancestral rites and indigenous
knowledge alive.

2. Community Bonding: Festivals bring together diverse community members, reinforcing social ties and
fostering a sense of belonging. Celebrations often involve communal activities such as feasts, dances,
and religious ceremonies, which strengthen relationships among participants.
3. Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: They provide a platform for older generations to pass on
cultural practices, stories, and values to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of traditions and
cultural heritage.

4. Cultural Identity: By celebrating unique traditions and rituals, festivals affirm cultural identity and
pride among participants, enhancing a sense of self and community. Events like the Durbar Festival and
the Eyo Festival showcase and reinforce regional and ethnic identities.

5. Social Integration: Festivals often include elements from various ethnic groups, promoting cross-
cultural understanding and integration. This can help bridge gaps between different communities and
encourage mutual respect and collaboration.

6. Educational Opportunities: They serve as educational platforms where people learn about history,
religion, and social norms. For instance, the Argungu Festival educates attendees about traditional
fishing techniques and local customs. Children get to have an idea of their cultural background and
activities by attending festivals.

7. Conflict Resolution: In some cases, festivals act as neutral grounds for dialogue and reconciliation,
helping to resolve disputes and build peaceful relationships within communities. People come together,
they resolve their differences and celebrate peacefully together as one community.

Through these mechanisms, Nigerian festivals contribute significantly to the socio-cultural development
of communities, enriching social fabric and cultural heritage.

Two characteristics of Nigerian festivals are;

Community cohesion and identity:

One of the important roles festivals play is maintaining cultural identity and fostering community unity.
It is a platform provided for people to come together, share traditions, pass down cultural knowledge
and strengthen social bonds.

Artistic and cultural expressions:

Artistic expressions are often showcased in festivals. Artistic expressions like music, dance, costumes
and performances. These arts are made to preserve and transmit cultural heritage across generations.

Nigerian festivals have economic impacts in both local and national levels. Listed below are several ways
in which festivals contribute to the economy:

Tourism and hospitality:

Tourists are attracted; from within Nigeria and abroad, to festivals; this leads to increased demand for
accommodation, transportation, food and other services rendered for hospitality. Tourists also spend
money on local crafts as well as souvenirs and this also stimulates the local economy.

Creation of jobs:

Temporary employment opportunities are created as a result of festivals. Jobs are created for local
residents. Examples of these jobs are; event planning, security, transportation, catering, sales of arts and
entertainment services. Artisans and craftsmen who produce traditional items for sale during the events
are also involved.

Other impacts are;

Promotion of small businesses: local vendors and businesses are patronized for variety of goods such as
food, beverages, clothing, artworks and handicrafts. Therefore, they benefit from increased sales during
festivals. Festivals provide a platform for them to showcase their products for marriage to a wider
audience.

Infrastructure development: in preparation of festivals; roads, market places, event venues among
others are usually invested in. These investments support smooth conduct of festivals and enhance the
overall attractiveness of the area for future tourism.

Cultural preservation and promotion: festivals highlight traditional arts, music, dance and rituals. They
support local artists and performers.

Revenue generation for local government: taxes, permits and fees from festivals generate revenues for
local governments which can be reinvested into community development projects, education,
healthcare and improvement of infrastructure to benefit residents in the long term.

National and international image: successful festivals enhance Nigeria's image nationally and
internationally. They showcase tourism potential among others, attracting further investments and
partnerships.
There are historical origins of various festivals deeply rooted in different cultures and traditions of
various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Festivals often have various origins tied to the religious beliefs of the
people, agricultural practices of the people, the people's historical events and community rituals.

Common factors influencing the origin of Nigerian festivals are listed below.

Religious beliefs and practices:

Many Nigerian festivals have roots in traditional religious beliefs in animism, and later adaptations from
Christianity and Islam. Examples of festivals under this category are; the New yam festival among the
Igbo people or the Durbar festival in the northern Nigeria. These festivals have religious significance that
involve prayers, sacrifices and other offerings to deities or ancestors.

Agricultural practices:

Several festivals are celebrated under agricultural practices and seasonal changes. The New yam festival
for example, celebrates the yam harvest and it also marks the beginning of the planting season. The
Argungu fishing festival that takes place in Kebbi state marks the beginning of the fishing season after
the harvest.

Historical events and heroes:

Some festivals are done in remembrance of historical events, some celebrate heroes and leaders. The
Osun oshogbo festival is a good example of festivals under this category. It celebrates the river goddess;
Osun, and has its origins in historical myths and legends of the Yoruba people.

Festival Identity And Social Integration:

Basically, festivals are connected to culture and to places, conferring identity on each and helping bind
people to their communities. Alessandro Falassi defined festival as a sacred or designated time of
celebration, marked by special people and others observing the occasion. In his view, festivals celebrate
community values, ideologies, identity and continuity. Donald Getz defined “festival” as themed, public
celebrations, while Josef Pieper believed only religious rituals and celebrations could be called festivals.
Since all cultures have one form of festival or another, the term, therefore, has often been misapplied or
generalized.

Scholars theorized that “festival” could mean a re-enactment ceremony or hegemonic ritual that many
societies used to articulate events that hold significance, not only for individuals and families, but the
larger society, as well as their ancestors. In fact, these ceremonies were considered to be common to all
cultures.
Van Gennep stated that all cultures have prescribed ways for an individual and society to deal with
emotionally-charged situations, which include ritual ceremonies, intended to mark all transitions from
one phase of life to another. He termed all these ceremonies “rites of passage”, they do not only mark
the transition of an individual’s and community’s life according to him, but also reinforce the dominant
values of a culture.

Impact and Recognition of Nigerian Festivals:

It is important for us to recognize the impacts of all Nigerian festivals on our society. Every festival in one
way or another has great impact on us, Nigerians in our various cultures but we seem to only recognize
a few festivals that a lot of other Nigerian festivals that are celebrated across the country.

We recognize few festivals based on their catchy backgrounds, we promote them, disregarding other
Nigerian festivals that also deserve to be recognized based on the impacts that they have on different
cultures in the country. A good example of these festivals is one that is celebrated in Ibadan, known as
the 'Ose Meji festival'.

The Ose Meji Festival:

The Ose meji festival is a prominent traditional festival in Ibadan, honouring the deities of the Yoruba
pantheon; all the Yoruba gods. These Yoruba gods are particularly known as Orishenloshe; meaning
orisha of the gods, and Ose; meaning the god of thunder.

The Ose meji festival has its root in the ancient Yoruba kingdom in Ibadan. The festival began as a way to
honour the gods according to oral tradition. The festival was also organized to ensure the city's
prosperity.

The Ose Meji festival takes place in August, sometimes it takes place in September. It coincides with the
Yoruba calendar's Ife festival. The festival takes place in Ibadan's mapo hall, Ose Meji shrine, Agodi
gardens and Ibadan palace.

Activities are;

Traditional drumming and music performances,

People engaging in dance competitions,

Artisan works are exhibited,

Food vendors offer Yoruba traditional cuisine,

There are cultural plays that are performed to entertain the observers.
In everything, rituals are performed and sacrifices are rendered to Orishenloshe and Ose.

In chapter four, we would be looking into details of the Ose meji festival. It's impact and why it should
be highly regarded as other festivals.