Top festivals in Nigeria – Due to Nigeria’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity, there are so many festivals and carnival celebrations across the different ethnic groups in Nigeria. Due to Nigeria’s diverse heritage, there are several top festivals celebrated in different length and breadth of the country. If you are a lover of arts, culture, traditional festivals and carnivals, Nigeria boast of some of the best collections of cultural festivals in the world. There really is no finer way to explore and appreciate the magnificent cultural heritage of Nigeria than to participate in the cultural festivals in Nigeria. With plenty of unique cultural festivals to choose from depending on your interest; from Africa’s largest street carnival in Calabar to the worship of the Osun goddess in the Holy Forest of Osun, or see the spectacular white Eyo masquerades in Lagos or experience the harvest of the new yam festival down to the Argungi Fish festival in the north and so much more. We have carefully selected some of the best cultural festivals in Nigeria that will blow your mind. The dates for some of these festivals are not fixed while others happen during a particular month of the year, do ensure you look out for the dates so you can schedule and plan accordingly. On your next trip to Nigeria plan to attend at least one of these rich cultural festivals in Nigeria. List of all the Festivals and Carnivals in Nigeria Eyo Festival. The Eyo festival is one of the most celebrated festivals in Nigeria. It is unique to Lagos State and the masquerades can easily be identified with their white signature robes, a hat and a staff. The next time you visit Lagos, Nigeria, ensure you bear witness to one of Nigeria’s most distinctive and fantastic festivities in Nigeria. It is often called the Adamu Orisha Festival, a festival common to South-West Nigeria, Lagos to be precise, that changes the industrial Lagos Island into a beautiful cultural tourist centre. The festival draws thousands of tourists from all over the world who come to witness and see thousands of the costumed performers and Eyo masquerades performance during the festival. The parades include dances, performance, chant. rituals and so many cultural sacrifices. Eyo festival is one of the most interesting festivals in Nigeria with thousands of viewers trooping in to catch the beautiful sight of this festival in Lagos. Eyo Festival is firmly considered to be a precursor to the world’s largest carnival, the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. 2. Calabar Carnival. Date: 1st to 31st December of every year The Calabar Carnival has been nicknamed the biggest street party in Africa. The Calabar Carnival is one of the major carnivals in Nigeria with millions of tourist from Nigeria and abroad trooping in from different parts of the world. When it gets down to incredible performances, no festival can ever outclass this Calabar Festival in Nigeria or Africa. This is the celebration of innovation and culture festival that mixes with the Cross-River State people’s traditional and modern lifestyles. From the long-feathered headdresses, the bright outfits, the hypnotic performers and dance steps from the several performers displaying their skills on the street of Calabar. The festival often starts the street parades and the bands draw thousands of people. 3. Lagos Carnival May The Lagos Carnival is another top carnival in Nigeria that you should never miss. It is a yearly event organised by the Lagos State Government. It is a colourful festival which is usually held during the Lagos Black heritage festival week. Lagos Carnival is one of the most colourful festivals in Nigeria, just like the Calabar Carnival but slightly different. The carnival was first held during the 19th century by Slaves that returned home from Brazil, Cuba, Liberia etc Even before the carnival kicks off annually, you can already feel the excitement in the breeze. It is often called the Fanti and Carretta the festival showcases the culture, the lifestyle, music and the entertainment in Lagos. Partygoers are seen coming to join this carnival from different regions of the world. You should join this carnival to have all the fun in the world. You get to make new friends and share with family and friends such memorable and satisfying moments. 4. Osun Festival. July – August The Osun Osogbo Festival is one of the many festivals in Nigeria with a deep-rooted history dating as far back as hundreds if not thousands of years. If you care to know more about the history of the Yoruba people of Nigeria or want to experience one of Nigeria’s most popular cultural festivals with rich historical benefits, this is a must-attend festival in Nigeria. The Festival is usually held between July and August of each year. The Osun Festival kicks off at the Osun Sacred Grove at the Osun Sacred Forest of Osun State. A monument that is currently listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival witnesses residents and tourists alike coming together to celebrate and worship the Osun goddess. while others come to seek answers or solutions to their problems in a one-week colourful festival to celebrate and worship the river goddess of Osun River in Osun State, Nigeria. 5. Sango Festival The Sango Festival is dedicated to the god of Thunder. The Sango Festival is held in over 40 countries and is dedicated to the founder of the modern-day Oyo State For almost anyone who has ever been to the Sango Festival, this festival is all about the all-powerful god of Yoruba land. Sango the god of the thunder! As a sort of ritual, this festival has enabled an annual avenue for a home-coming for Yoruba descents in the abroad. This brings back the heritage of the past and honours people’s culture and tradition thus generating wealth and jobs for people. The Sango festival is usually held at the Palace of Alaafin of Oyo. The Sango festival is also another popular festival in Nigeria attracting tourist
The 2019 edition of Calabar Carnival – Africa’s Biggest Street Party
The 2019 edition of Calabar Carnival – Africa’s Biggest Street Party – December 3rd to January 2nd 2020. The Calabar Festival is an annual street dance festival held in December of every year in Calabar. Calabar Festival is Africas biggest street dance festival and cultural display of the rich rich African cultural heritage. It features music, food, dance, drama, performances by different artists etc. The 2019 Calabar carnival promises to be bigger, better and stronger. The Calabar carnival is a whole month of a rich cultural display, creatives by some of the best artist in Nigeria. The Calabar festival also has a day dedicated to all international acts to perform and display. The Calabar Carnival is the biggest costume party in Africa. The yearly event is known to attract over two million spectators from all around the world. Each year focuses on a theme and the theme for this year’s edition is “Africa’s Biggest Street Party”. This year’s edition will feature guest and performers from different parts of Africa and the world in general. The Calabar Festival has witnessed performances from top artist like Lucky Dube, Young Jeezy, Fat Joe, Nelly, Tuface, Kirk Franklin, P Square and many other artists and upcoming musicians in Nigeria. Calabar has been at the forefront of promoting tourism in Nigeria and this has greatly positioned Calabar as one of the top tourist destinations in Nigeria. Apart from the cultural display, the carnival also features music performances, Fashion Show, Boat Regatta, Beauty Pagent, Traditional dances etc. The Calabar Carnival is the biggest and the most popular carnival in Nigeria with participants from over 25 countries in the world and has attracted tourist from many parts of the world. Brief History of Calabar Calabar is the capital of Cross River. Calabar was the former Capital of Nigeria before it was moved to Lagos. It is located in the Southern Part of Nigeria and it is known as the Canaan City, It was formerly known as the Akwa Akpa which was coined from the Efik language. Calabar is a beautiful city and one of the biggest tourism hubs in Nigeria. The home of Tinapa Resort. Calabar prides itself as the city that hosts the biggest street carnival in Africa. Calabar is blessed with beautiful tourist destinations. Calabar also has a history of the killing of twins which was abolished by Mary Slessor. It also has a history of the slave trade and also one of the biggest salve hubs during the slave era. It is also one of the biggest slave hubs after the point of no return in Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria. The History of Calabar carnival The Calabar Carnival was inaugurated by the past Governor of Calabar State Donald Duke in 2004 to put Calabar in the forefront of tourism in Nigeria. Mr Donalk Duke’s vision is to make Calabar the number one tourism destination in Nigeria. The Carnival is being organized by the River State Carnival Commission located at Okoi Arikpo House, Old Calabar Road, Calabar. The event is known to attract the traditional ruler of Calabar known as the Obong of Efik and other important chiefs in Calabar. The traditional rulers and the title holders in Calabar storm this event which has now become one of the biggest carnivals in Nigeria. It has witnessed significant changes over the years. Calabar carnival has witnessed different people from all works of life trooping to catch a glimpse of the performances and splendour displayed during the carnival. When is the date for Calabar Carnival This year Calabar Carnival and festival with start on 3rd December 2019 to 2nd January 2019. Book Your Cheap Flights to Calabar Here Book Hotels to Calabar Get a custom tour package to Calabar About Calabar carnival The carnival is an annual event and has witnessed so many episodes since its inception in since 2004. It features the street parade, battle of the bands, football competition, cultural dance, art shows, masque party, sporting events. The event has been graced with both local and international artists, actors, musicians, politicians from the world over. The carnival is known for the cultural display of elegance and glamour 2019 Programme schedule for Calabar carnival The yearly event always begins with a tree lighting ceremony, followed by food competition, writing competition for students, musical shows and performances, fashion parade, beauty pageant etc. Here are the schedule and the list of events for the 2019 Calabar carnival: The Christmas Party, the children’s carnival, Ekpe masquerade festival etc The Carnival features art shows and displays, cultural dances, ceremonies, musical concerts, masque parties, sports competition and a week-long non-stop street party. 1st – 10th December: The Millennium Week 12th – 17th December: Sports Week 19th – 24th December: The TINAPA Family Festival 25th– 31st December: Carnival Week 26th Cultural Carnival features a special parade of different Nigerian culture 27th Bikers carnival features different vintage car display, bike competition 27th Miss African Beauty Pageant 28th carnival Calabar this is the main adult parade by the different bands, street parade and band of the year competition. 29th International carnival is where all the international bands gather to display their cultural heritage 30th Street Party this has been termed the biggest street party in Africa The parade The parade features over 50,000 costume artists who perform among the five competing bands and the ten non-competing bands. The parade is a 12km parade along the designated routes. The Millennium Week This is usually done between the 1st and 10th of December and it starts with a tree lighting event, food competition, solidarity march, crowning of the carnival Kings and Queens for each band, the children’s carnival etc Calabar Carnival Sports week The Sports week is filled with different sports competition where the different team battle for the Carni-Cal cup and it also features a golf tournament, boat Regatta and other sporting activities. The Calabar carnival Bands There are five official competing bands at the Calabar Festival The bayside Band (blue) Masta Blasta Band (orange) Freedom
Felabration 2019 – The Biggest Music Festival in Nigeria
Felabration 2019 – Everything you need to know about the 2019 Felabration, the event, the program schedule, the artist etc Felabration is an annual music festival which is done in honour and commemoration of the late music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The music festival has been in existence since 1998. This year’s event promises to be bigger, better and stronger. It will be held in two different locations concurrently. The event which has witnessed some of the top artists from Nigeria and beyond comes with a lot of surprises this year. Felabration 2019 The 2019 Felabration promises to be fun and it is loaded with so many activities to make it eventful. The theme for 2019 Felabration is “From Lagos With Love” which was coined from one of Fela’s song Eko Ile. This is to reignite the spirit of love and spread the love from the City that Fela was born. This is also the city that Fela grew up from and which is where Fela’s House was located. The house which used to be known as the Kalakuta Republic is now a Museum known as the Kalakuta Museum. Lagos is also home to the New Afrika Shrine and which is the main venue of the Felabration 2019. Read Things to Do in Lagos The 2019 Felabration witnessed over 400 entries from artists, musicians etc who would love to perform at this year’s event History of Felabration The Felabration idea was conceived by Yeni Anikulapo Kuti (Fela’s first daughter) in 1998. It was created to celebrate the life and times of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The one-week event is usually scheduled to coincide with the Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s birthday which is on October 15. The festival was initiated to commemorate the life and times of Fela Anikulapo Kuti also known as Abami Eda. The annual event is usually held at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria and recently they went into partnership with the Freedom Park which now serves as another venue for Felabration. The existence and essence of Felabration were inspired by the founder of Afrobeat music Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Felabration is not just a festival, it is a movement and it has witnessed tourists and fun lovers from all over the world. The event has seen some of the top celebrities, politicians including the vice president of Nigeria and some other international dignitaries. The highly regarded event features both local and international artists from different parts of the world. Felabration is a week-long event which features music from top Nigerian artists and other international acts. Other activities at Felabration include cultural dance, street parade, debates, exhibitions, writing competition, artworks, fashion parade etc. Felabration is one of the oldest and popular music festival in Nigeria. Top Musicians That Have Performed at Felabration Hugh Masekela, Awilo Logomba, Femi Kuti, Lucky Dube, Baba Maal, Wizkid, Davido, Les Nubians, King Sunny Ade, Lagbaja, Burna Boy, Asa, TuFace, Sauti Sol, Seun Kuti and many others. Who is Fela Anikulapo Kuti Fela Anikulapo Kuti is a musician, a music evangelist, multi-instrumentalists, songwriter, human right activist, a politician, a performing act, and the pioneer of Afrobeat music. He uses music as a tool to fight against injustice, corruption, bad governance and abuse of power. He died on 3rd August 1998 but his legacy still lives on. The Venue of Felabration 2019 Over the years Felabration has grown so this years event will be done at multiple locations. The venues for the Felabration 2019 is the Freedom Park and the New Africa Shrine which are some of the official tourist sites in Lagos. The Afrika Shrine has witnessed the visit of top dignitaries like the President of France Emmanuel Macron, The Vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria Prof Yemi Osibanjo, the former Governor of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode and other top dignitaries. The Date for Felabration 2019 The Felabration 2019 will take place between 14th to 20th October 2019. The 2019 event is packed with lots of activities and performances for different artists and perfromers. Schedule events for Felabration 2019 These are some of the scheduled events for Felabration 2019: 21st September 2019 – Afrobics Dance Competition 28th September – Art Competition 9th October 2019 – Secondary School Debate Competition 14th October 2019 – Symposium 14th October 2019 – Musical festival 19th October 2019 – Dress Like Fela Day Special Guest at 2019 Felabration Felabration 2019 will witness celebrities, actors, politicians, business moguls, brands and tourists and fun lovers from all over the world. Some of the invited guests for Felabration 2019 is: Ngozi Adichie Kingslee James McLean Daley, better known by the stage name Akala; Akala a London based Black Musician, poet and political activist Bobi Wine From Uganda Professor Oyebode Sefi Atta Other Countries that will be Hosting Felabration 2019 Felabration is now a worldwide festival and is now held in countries like Philippines, United Kingdom, Singapore, United States (New York) etc and there are plans to includes more states and countries in the future. Location of Felabration 2019 Felabration 2019 will be held at two different locations concurrently The first location is the New Afrika Shrine which has been the permanent home of Felabration since 1998. The Address of the New Afrika Shrine The New Afrika Shrine is located at No. 1 Nerdc Road, Alausa, Agindigbi, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria The second location for Felabration 2019 is the Freedom Park, which serves as an extension for Felabration and it serves as the VIP area for high profile individuals who might not be able to visit the New Afrika Shrine. Freedom Park Address: Freedom Park is located on Broad St, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria How to Locate the Venue of Felabration 2019 The New Afrika Shrine 1 Nerdc Road | Agindigbi, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria From Ikeja, you can take a taxi to the New Afrika Shrine If you are coming from outside Nigeria to the New Afrika Shrine You will need to take a flight to Murtala Muhammed International Airport
GTBank Food and Drink Festival 2019
GTBank Food and Drink Festival 2019 is an innovation of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB). The 2019 edition of the GTBank Food and Drink Festival started on a good note. The first day of the event was 28th April 2019 already proved that the event is a success. The 2019 Food and Drink festival witnessed people from all works of life trooping in to have a taste of some of the best delicacies the GTBank Food and Drink Festival 2019 has to offer. About the GTBank Food and Drink Festival GTBank Food and Drink Festival is an annual event for exhibition and sales of food, drink and other food and drinks related products. It is aimed at projecting the diversity of African food industry and also helping SMEs and food entrepreneurs in promoting their services to a wide range of audience. The GTBank Food and Drink festival is one of the largest food and drink exhibition in Nigeria it has witnessed over 450,000 people since its inception in 2016. Some of which includes food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, foodies, chefs, people in the food processing business and experts especially those in the food retail business. About the 2019 Food and Drink Festival This is an event designed to celebrate a common commodity we all love and cannot do without. It is definitely one of Africas biggest culinary events in Africa which have witnessed three past editions since it’s inception in 2016. To celebrate the 4th Edition of the GTBank Food and Drink event, the event is now four times bigger, as opposed to the past editions which only features three days, this year’s edition is taking a new turn making it four days of fun, dance, enjoyment, merriment and most importantly lots of eating. This years edition features master classes from some of the top chefs around the world. This years edition also offers a farmers market for organic farm produce and a children section which features exciting games for the young ones. Date for the GTBank Food and Drink Festival 2019 This year’s edition of the GTBank Food and Drink Festival started on the 28th April 2019 and will run through Wednesday 1st May 2019. That is 28th, 29th, 30th of April and 1st of May 2019. About the Organiser The GTBank Food and Drink Festival is organised by Nigeria’s foremost Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank. GTBank is the brain behind the GTbank Food and Drink festival. Location of the 2019 GTBank Food and Drink festival The 2019 GTbank Food and Drink festival is happening live at the GT Centre – Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. It is located beside the popular Oniru Beach and Hard Rock café. It is about 10 minutes drive from Lekki Phase one and 5 minutes drive from Victoria Island. Venue of GTBank Food and Drink Festival You can either get here by using public Transportation From the Second Round About or from Eko Hotel Round About, You can then take a tricycle to the event. You can also use a taxi or use Uber or Bolt (Taxify). Make use of this code to get a special discount Uber – brandlers1ui Bolt (Taxify) – SS2U9 Things to Do at The GTBank Food and Drink Festival 2019 Attend a master class to improve your culinary skills Be adventurous get to taste new foods Buy street foods you’ve always craved for Dance to the sound coming from the DJ Go with your family to have fun Watch your favourite games Have fun with your friends Interact and meet new people Enjoy the games Meet the Master Class Facilitators at the GTBank Food Festival 2019 The 2019 GTBank Food and Drink Festival offers some of the best chefs in the world who are facilitators at the Master Classes teaching food enthusiasts, chefs and food entrepreneurs how to prepare some of the top delicacies in the world and also how to run a food and restaurant business in Nigeria. These are the facilitators: Duff Goldman Tregaye Fraser Luke Whearty Chef Cristian Duhalde Kinorah Awini Jeff Mauro Thitid Tassanakajohn Paul Wayne Gregory Matse Uwatse-Nnoli Chris Fynes Melina Hammer Augus Kennedy Shota Nakajima Christian Duhalde Other Tourist Location Close to the Venue Oniru Beach Landmark Beach Hard Rock Cafe Lekki Leisure Lake Nike Art Gallery Lekki Conservation Centre Elegushi Royal Beach Freedom Park Lovely photos from the 2019 Food and Drink festival Here are some pictures from the first day of the event. Enjoy!