Asides Christmas, here are some local celebrations happening in December within Nigeria.
Festivals and carnivals in Nigeria are events that depict the strong cultural heritage and diverse arts of the people.
This is the period that people visit their respective states to celebrate their traditional norms and customs.
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Asides Christmas which is the most celebrated festive season globally, here are some local celebrations happening in December within Nigeria.
1. Igue Festival
The Igue festival is an annual cultural event in Benin, Edo State.
The festival was originally an occasion to renew Oba Ewuare's magical powers. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.
This important event takes place during the first half of the month of December in Benin City with so many acrobatic displays, costumed dancing and a procession to the Oba of Benin palace.
2. Ofala festival
Also known as Ofala Nnewi, this festival is celebrated for two days in December and January by indigenes of Onitsha, Anambra State.
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It is described as the most prominent cultural festival in Igboland that celebrates the rich culture of the indigenes. An array of masquerades and wonderful parades is a sure way to spend the end of the year.
3. Calabar carnival
This is the most elaborate festival in Nigeria. With a weeklong event, Calabar festival is a celebration of creativity and culture, that blends with both the traditional and modern lifestyle of the people in Cross River State.
It features colourful costumes and mesmerising dancers and has attracted over a million people to witness the colourful carnival, tagged as “Africa Biggest Street Party”.
4. Ogwashi-Uku carnival
One of Nigeria’s oldest and most colourful carnivals that attract thousands of people.
OgwashiUku carnival is a three-day fiesta that begins December 24 and ends December 26 featuring a carnival float procession, cultural dances, musical concerts, fashion shows, dinner parties, quizzes, competitions, talent hunt and displays targeted at the progress and development of the community.
5. Carniriv
Carniriv is one of the biggest festivals in Nigeria annually held in Port Harcourt.
It is a free seven-day funfair with an abundance of seafood to savour during the course of the carnival. The carnival is a blend of culture, tradition, fashion and lifestyle fused together to showcase the rich heritage of Africa.