The Osun Osogbo festival is one of the oldest festivals in Nigeria. It’s been practised for so many years. And this tradition is being passed down from generation to generation. The significance of a festival is in its continuity. This has awarded the Osun-Osogbo festival as the most celebrated ritual in the Southwest. Undoubtedly, festivals are intricate social events you want to be a part of. It covers a period when people and organizations are engaged in a range of activities in different locations. In Nigeria, festivals play a significant role in marking history and culture. Although, the earliest history of the communities where cultural festivals are celebrated may be found in the majority of African nations. Still, traditional festival celebrations serve as occasions for cultural analysis. This gives room for people to recall significant moments in their communities’ past and devise modifications where necessary. Beyond excitement, drums and dancing, cultural festivals are a traditional way for you to learn about Yoruba communities. Where is Osun-Osogbo located? Osun-Osogbo is located in the Southwestern region of Nigeria. It is about four hour drive from Nigeria’s commercial capital-Lagos. Osun Osogbo is located in Osun State. The state is regarded as the founding home of the Yoruba. It is the location of Ile Ife. The founding home of the progenitor of the Yoruba race. The origin of the Osun-Osogbo Festival The annual Osun Osogbo festival is a two-week-long celebration that includes twelve days of rituals, entertainment and cultural preservation. The first festival was recorded 700 years ago. The origin of the Osun-Osogbo festival is linked to the prominent role played by the Osun goddess in the establishment and settlement of Osogbo. The Osun goddess is highly revered as the goddess of fertility, giver of prosperity, goddess of children, a healer and a diviner by the Osun people. Women expecting children often attend the festival to seek fruit of the womb. A long time ago, after the ancestors of Osogbo discovered a new colony, they decided to liberate and develop the regions. All they had in mind was a habitation for themselves and their descendants. However, in the process of doing this, they came in touch with the “Oso Igbo” which means wizard of the forest. This happened when the ancestors cleared out a portion of land. A tree was cut down and it dropped on the river. It was recorded in history that the goddess was angry because of this and decided to appear to the wrongdoers. As a way to appease the goddess of the river for the distortion, the ancestors of Osogbo decided to offer a sacrifice. Thankfully, the river goddess received the sacrifice and made a pact with the people of Osogbo. Another notable occurrence was the representative that the goddess sent to the people of Osun. This messenger came in form of a fish and it was received on the palms of the traditional ruler at that time. The agreement was that the sacrifice would be done annually. In return, the Osun goddess promised to support and protect the inhabitants of Osun-Osogbo. The instructions were given to the people of Osogbo as a condition for their growth, wealth, safety and establishment. The inhabitants of Osun have since kept their part of the deal. Traditional rulers that have emerged, continue to offer sacrifices to the Osun goddess yearly. Location of Osun-Osogbo Festival, The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove With a history dating back several centuries, the Osun-Osogbo Grove is one of the last remaining sacred forests in Nigeria. Sacred groves previously bordered most Yoruba settlements before widespread civilization. This has led to the destruction of most sacred groves. The Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 in recognition of its importance on a worldwide scale and its cultural significance. It is one of the two UNESCO world heritage sites in Nigeria. The Osun-Osogbo Grove was profaned in the 1950s when grove shrines were disregarded and priests left the area as traditional obligations and punishments decreased. Thanks to Susanne Wenger who brought back the glory of this once glorious heritage. Date of The Osun Osogbo Festival The date for the Osun Osogbo festival is usually celebrated in August every year. Remarkable Happenings at the Osun Osogbo Festival Despite the presence of other ancestral festivals in Osogbo, the Osun-Osogbo festival is the most popular and exceptional in the entire region. To add to this, the celebration is particularly well-liked not just among the Yoruba tribe in southwest Nigeria, but it is also globally renowned. It should be noted that the Osun festival is an orderly ceremony. Therefore, you need to understand the basis of the event and all there is to this exceptional practice. The festival is attended by tourists from different countries of the world, Here are the remarkable events that take place at the festival and all you should know about them; The road cleansing sacrifice The Osun Osogbo festival opens yearly in August with a road cleansing sacrifice- ‘Iwó Pópó’. This is a replica of the historical path clearing that took place years ago. This happening starts with the traditional clearing of the unwanted plants and trees along the central path of the community. It is necessary to prevent anything that might impede the inflow of visitors to Osogbo and demonstrates ancestral protection. Once this is completed, the Osun festival can begin in its full glory. Majorly, all the acts conducted at the festival are repetitions of the events that took place in Osogbo years ago. The role of the Traditional ruler- Ataoja, Osun priest and priestess It must be mentioned that the sacred rituals of the Osun Osogbo festival re-establish the spiritual union and renew the pathway between the goddess and the people of Osogbo. The Ataoja is the title of the traditional ruler in Osogbo. It is the short form of ‘Atéwógbeja’. This means the palms stretched out to receive the fish. I mentioned this in the history of the
How to Overcome Fear of Water
The fear of water is one of the hardest phobias to overcome. This is because the fear of water is driven by instinct or past experiences. Just like the fear of heights, the fear of water is deeply rooted in our mind. It is caused by the fear imbibed by either our parents, past experiences or stories that we heard. The fear of water is also known as aquaphobia. It is one of the most popular phobias. It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or newbie, we all experience some form of anxiety when we are inside water. Some people have been able to overcome their fears. Though the majority of people still struggle with this. Basic Symptoms of Aquaphobia One of the easiest ways to know if you are aquaphobic is when you get agitated or have some form of anxiety whenever you come in contact with any form of water. It could be a pool, pond, lakes, river, ocean etc. It is more obvious in some people than others. While most people might not find a bathtub full of water scary. There are people who can not stand the sight of water in a bathtub. Another way is when you start avoiding activities that involved water. According to statistics, over 46 per cent of American adults suffer from the fear of water. The numbers are higher in places like Nigeria, where a majority of the population avoid water by all means. Causes Of Fear of water There are different causes for Aquaphobia, it includes: Fear Instilled by parents or guardians. Bad experience during childhood Near drowning experience The fear of water may also develop as a result of incidents we heard. Tips for Overcoming Your Fears for Water We all have fear for some, it could be the fear of cats, dogs, fire, heights etc. Over the years, I have helped several people overcome their fear of water. I made some of them do things they never thought they could have done. Some of the activities include kayaking on the Lagos lagoon, going on a two-hour boat cruise.Overcoming the fear of water can be tough. This is true for most people depending on the type of water body they are in. However, with proper guidance, you can overcome your fear of water. These are some few tips to consider. Change your mindset about water / Be Positive: It starts from the inside. Firstly, you need to change your mindset about water. Be positive and tell yourself that you can do it. You need to mentally prepare for the challenge. Engage in activities that involve water: Another way to overcome water fears to engage in activities that involve water. Start one step at a time. You may attend a watersport competition, visit a pool, beach etc. Get a trusted friend: We all have friends the one that got our back in every situation. One way of overcoming your fear of water is to go with a trusted friend. This is because there is a level of comfort that comes when you have a trusted friend around. It also gives you the confidence that no matter what, they will always have you back. Start by getting your feet wet: Do not rush the process. You can start by visiting the body of water and view from afar. Once you get familiar with this process, you may make a bolder step by putting your legs in the water. Then another time you can immerse your arms. You may also decide to stay at the shallow end while you immerse your body gradually. At any point when you start panicking, you can maintain the spot you feel comfortable with. Repeat this process till you are bold enough to immerse your full body. Attend swimming classes: Another way to overcome your fear of water is to learn how to swim. Learning how to swim will help boost your confidence. Learning to Swim also reduces the fear of drowning since you know you are capable of floating in the water. Use floaters or life jackets: Whenever you are close to water, make use of a floater, lifejackets or devices that could keep you afloat. This will make you comfortable while you are on the water. Face your fears: Lastly, another way to beat your fear of water is to face your fears. Engage in activities that involve water. The more you participate in such activities, the better you become. Overcoming the fear of water is the starting point. You will still have to master the art of swimming and safety precautions when you are on the water.
National Museum Ile Ife – All You Need To Know
The National Museum Ile Ife is one of the significant landmarks in Ife. The museum is located beside the Ooni of Ife Palace. It is one of the popular tourist attractions located in Ile Ife. it is owned by the federal government under the National Commission for Museums and monuments. It is an archaeological museum which showcases some of the relics uncovered from Ile Ife. This museum contains relics of the past and the recent. It features some archaeological excavations, regalia, ancient remains and pictures of some of the Nigerian history. The National Museum Ife has several sections to give you an in-depth understanding of the people, the culture and the way of life. It also features some artworks and creative masterpieces by some local artist. The National Museum helps to connect the past and make us aware of the present and also help us preserve them for the future. National Museum Ile Ife is probably one of the most underrated museums in Nigeria because it has antics and relics that takes you back hundreds if not thousands of years. The main building of the National Museum Ile Ife is painted white and it has graffiti of some cultural heritage on it. Items Found at the National Museum Ile Ife These are some of the items you will find at the museum: It has a collection of musical instruments, insignia, animal skin Relics and Items You Will Find at the Museum Traditional Musical Instruments like talking drum, Gong, Calabash etc Traditional ornaments like bracelets, rings, jewellery etc Masquerades garments Bronze Sculptures Statues Ceremonial Insignia and attires Opening time The National Museum Ile Ife opens from Mondays to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Location / Address of National Museum Ile Ife The National Museum Ile Ife is Located at Opposite the Enuwa Square, P.M.B. 5515, Enuwa Ile-Ife, Osun State. The museum is just beside the Palace of Ooni of the Ooni of Ife. Other Tourist Attractions Close to The National Museum Ooni of Ife Palace Queen Moremi Statue of Liberty The Eruwa Square Oranmiyan Staff Osun Osogbo Grove Erin Ijesha Waterfall Lastly, the next time you visit Ile Ife make sure you stop by at the Museum.
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