Festivals in Nigeria are a time to immerse fully in culture and be a more relaxed version of oneself.
We are anticipating everything from food and music to art and film in some spectacular locations.
According to the remaining months of the year, we have detailed the major cultural, book and film festivals in Nigeria for 2018.
FEBRUARY
Argungu Fishing Festival
One of the most famous cultural
festivals in Nigeria, the Argungu fishing festival is a four-day
festival in Nigeria which takes place in Kebbi. Thousands of fishermen
from the northern regions to come together and compete in catching the
largest fish in the river, using only traditional nets.
MARCH
GidiFest
A guide to attending large music concerts in Nigeria
GidiFest is an annual pop culture festival of food, drinks, sports and music.
Lagos International Jazz Festival
Already scheduled to occur on Lagos Island
from April 27-30 of this year, the Lagos Jazz Fest brings together
award-winning jazz artists and enthusiasts including likes of Grammy
award-winning artists like Jermaine Jackson, Lekan Babalola and Freshlyground.
MAY
Lagos Carnival
This is the celebration that emphasises what a
melting pot of cultures Lagos truly is. From western Nigerian to
Brazilian and Cuban, the colourful carnival usually involves dancing,
music, dazzling costumes, and visitors from all over the world.
Eyo Festival
The Eyo festival is an annual celebration of Lagos and Isale Ekpo people with the famous white masquerades.
JUNE
Durbar Festival
The JJC’s guide to enjoying the Durbar Festival in Nigeria
Durbar festival, or Hawan Daushe, is Northern Nigeria’s cultural treasure.
The Durbar is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, Eid el-Fitr, and at the
start of the pilgrimage to Mecca, Eid el-Kabir. The best states/cities
to witness the Durbar Festival is Kano, Bida in Niger state, Katsina,
Sokoto, Kaduna and Bauchi.
AUGUST
New Yam Festival
The New Yam festival, or Iwa Ji, Ike Ji, Iri
Ji, is an annual festival that holds for a week in August. It is a time
when the people from Southern and Eastern Nigeria gather to celebrate
the new yams of the season with folk dances, masquerades and parades.
The yams are offered to gods and ancestors first before
Ojude Oba Festival
On August 23, the Ijebu-Ode people celebrate their culture and heritage three days after the start of Eid-el-Kabir.
Osun-Osogbo Festival
Osun Osogbo [Connect nigeria]
This is a two-week programme of events in
August that typically revolves around the cleansing of the town
“Iwopopo”. This is followed by the lighting of a 500-year-old 16-point
lamp Olojomerindinlogun.
SEPTEMBER
Igogo Festival
The Igogo Festival lasts a total of 17 days in
Owo, Ondo State. Just like the New Yam Festival, it also features the
blessing and release of new yams.
Lights Camera AFRICA Film Festival
The Lights, Camera, AFRICA!!! Film Festival
was created in 2011 to stimulate discourse on issues and experiences
that are rooted in the African experience. The annual event shares a
diverse range of African and independent cinema including documentary,
feature and animation, supporting the work of emerging African film
makers.
OCTOBER
Felabration
Felabration 2017 Closing Concert
Felabration is an annual music festival
conceived in 1998 by Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti in memory and celebration of
her father Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights
activist known for pioneering the afrobeat genre of music. Felabration
is held on the week of Fela’s birthday, estimated at October 14-20 for
this year, at the New Afrika shrine.
Ake Arts and Book Festival
The Aké Arts and Book Festival, founded
by Nigerian writer Lola Shoneyin, is an annual literary, cultural and
arts event that usually takes place in Abeokuta, Nigeria. It features
book chats and the best African literature, poetry, music, art, film and
theatre. This year, it is set to hold between October 24-27.
NOVEMBER
Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
AFRIFF showcases a rich programme of films,
keynote conversations and discussions on issues affecting the cinema
with participation from filmmakers, critics, directors and the
Press. The event usually takes place between November and December.
Abuja Carnival
Usually taking place at the end of November,
the Abuja Carnival is organized by the Carnival Roadshow Company and
promises to showcase the diverse cultural events and practices in all 36
states if Nigeria. Roadshows, music and dance, masquerades are just a
few of the highlights of the event.
DECEMBER
Calabar Carnival
The Calabar Festival is the most anticipated
cultural festival in Nigeria with visitors and performers coming in from
all over the world. It is tagged as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party” and
holds in Cross River State all through December.