5 Health Benefits Of Palm Wine

Palm wine is the sweet tasty sap gotten from wounded palm trees. Anyone who has grown in Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of central and West Africa has come across palm wine. Palm wine is good for our health, if only we drink pure palm wine. This is because preservatives and sweeteners are added to it in order to extend its shelf life, 

which makes it not good for our health.

When palm wine is tapped, it is fresh and sweet but in 24 hours, it can become sharp and sour, and contain more alcohol than some of our alcoholic drinks. This is because the palm wine undergoes fermentation. Palm wine has benefits when consumed fresh or fermented, but the most benefits are gotten when it is consumed fresh.

In Cameroon and Nigeria, the process of tapping palm wine from palm trees is called palm wine tapping. A palm wine tapper climbs the palm tree with a rope that is locally designed for that purpose. He also climbs the palm tree with a cutlass, a knife and a gallon or calabash. 

When the tapper climbs the tree to the top, he will cut some palm branches to expose the tissue and use the knife to create a hole in the tree. A hollow bamboo or empty pipe is used to direct the sap into a gallon which is tied around the tree.

Contents of palm wine

The following are found in palm wine

*Sugar
*Protein
*Carbohydrate,
*Amino acid
*Vitamin C
*Yeast
*Bacteria
*Potassium
*Zinc
*Magnesium
*Iron
*Vitamin B1,B2 B3 and B6

Health benefits

1 Palm wine improves eyesight
Palm wine helps in maintaining good eye health. This is because it contains the antioxidant Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is also found in other fruits and vegetables. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) also helps in improving our vision. This is why some school of thought argue that our grandparents in the village have better eyesight than us because palm wine is their beverage.

2 Reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases
Research has showed that drinking moderate amounts of palm wine has been associated with a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure. This study was conducted by Lingberg and Ezra in 2008. Palm wine contains potassium which has been proven by research to improve heart health and bring down hypertension. However drinking it in excess has adverse effects like destroying the liver.

3 Palm wine can help fight against cancer
Palm wine contains vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin. Riboflavin is an antioxidant which helps in the fight against some cancer causing agents called free radicals.

4 Palm wine helps in maintaining a healthy hair, skin and nails
The Iron and vitamin B complex found in palm wine are needed for a healthy skin, hair and nail. Iron is very essential for the development, growth and functioning of some cells in our body. This property of palm wine makes it helpful in promoting wound healing by repairing our tissues and promoting the growth of healthy cells.

5 Palm wine promotes lactation
Palm wine is being used by many natural healers in Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana and other parts of Africa to help a lactating mother when she has limited breast milk production. Research is needed to investigate the property of palm wine that makes it stimulate the production of breast milk.

Precautions

Do not drink fermented palm wine in excess. Fermented palm wine in excess is detrimental to our health. Fermented palm wine is locally referred to as "strong white mimbo" Fermented palm wine contains a high percentage of alcohol, which is probably higher than that found in some of the alcoholic beverages we drink. This fermented palm wine destroys our kidney, liver and other systems in our body. Drinking alcohol in excess is a risk factor for hypertension.

*culled from www.healthplero.com

Fiji Holidays and Festivals

Fiji is as famous for its festive people and events as it is for its island getaways. This stunning archipelago is awash in fun-filled celebrations throughout the year. Generally influenced by Fiji's astonishing natural landscape, historical happenings, or cultural traditions, visitors can get a taste of exciting Pacific heritage at the Hibiscus Festival which lasts for several days. Alternatively, you can try to catch the similar yet subtly different Fiji holiday, the Bula Festival in July.

Outrigger International Competition

Fiji is a sporting nation, and for its size, does particularly well on the global scale. The Outrigger International Competition is the main event in Nadi each year which draws hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators. Other sporting events like the Fiji marathon are also held during this time.

Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival

Port Denarau is host to the Fiji International Jazz and Blues Festival. It spans three days in May and welcomes many local and international jazz and blues musicians to perform. Australian, American, European, and New Zealand musicians make up most of the performers. The festival is a great time visit Port Denarau as the sights and sounds of the event are unmatched during the rest of the year.

Honoring the Founder of Modern Fiji Festival

The last Monday in May is a commemoration to the Father of Modern Fiji, Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna. The festivities last for an entire week, with many different towns and cities celebrating in their own way. The event concludes with a presidential speech relating to Fijian unity, and the statue of Ratu Sir Lala Sakuna is polished by locals.

World Music Festival

Fiji is the heart of the Pacific music culture. Each year in June, the World Music Festival packs the city of Suva. Bands from across the world and some local come to the city to showcase their exciting musical talents. Reggae is popular during this time, as is traditional Fiji music. It only started in 2006, but has grown considerably since then.

Bula Festival

Held across several days in mid-July, the Bula Fiji Festival is a fantastic celebration of the island nation's heritage. Singing and dancing take center stage in the city of Nadi, and a parade is usually the spotlight of the event. At the end of the celebrations, a young woman is crowned Miss Bula for the year.

Hibiscus Festival

The event is held in several areas around Fiji in the month of August and has recently spread to other Pacific Islands nations. The Miss Hibiscus title is a coveted part of the event, drawing thousands of entrants from across the Fiji islands. In addition, local arts, crafts, sports, music, food, dance, and songs are exhibited throughout the festival.

Diwali Festival

Due to Fiji's large Indian population, the Diwali Festival is one of the main events held on the islands. Celebrated in the month of October, Diwali (which is also known as the Festival of Lights) is characterized by fantastic light shows, traditional firecracker displays, and plenty of night-time fun. It isn't just the Indian population that gets into the swing of things, as all cultures love any excuse to party.

*culled from www.iexplore.com

OKE IRAGBIJI

One Iragbaji © Google

THE NAME IRAGBIJI

There are some versions of the derivative sources of the name Iragbiji; the actual date of adoption of the name is not known. The first settlers had their habitation under an IRA tree. The founder who was a great hunter, during his hunting exploits climbed Ori-oke and sighted an animal, it ran into a big deep hole on the top of the hill. The hunter entered the big hole with the animal in order to kill it. He pursued the animal inside the hole until both of them came out through another big opening in the front of the present Iragbiji Town Hall before the animal was eventually killed. This big hole, an historical monument, has been closed up with stone and cement at present.

The hunter, who eventually settled under a shady tree called IRA and other settlers joined him. The legendary IRA tree under which he settled later metamorphosed into what is today known as IRAGBIJI, a settlement under a shady tree. IRA tree and which IJI (shade) had allowed many people to settle underneath. That is from IRA-GBA-IJI to IRAGBIJI.

IRAGBIJI OLOKE MEJI TAKO TABO LORI AAGBA

This is a popular appellation of Iragbiji, meaning Iragbiji made up of two rocks male upon the female , alongside the bank of River Aagba-osun. There was an historical event that led to this appellation during the reign of Late Oba Oloyede Dada. Many towns and villages surround Iragbiji. One of these towns is Obaagun. (About 4km from Iragbiji). 

During the early reign of Late Oba Oloyede Dada, there arose a boundary dispute between the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and the Olobaagun of Obaagun. On this disputed piece of land were situated two huge rocks, one upon the other like a man upon a woman.

The Aragbiji laid claim to the land and the Olobaagun also affirmed claim that the land belonged to him. The then Resident Officer in charge of Ibadan Division set up a tribunal to decide the ownership of the land. Then, the two warring parties were invited to the disputed area.

In short, the then Aragbiji, affirmed that without any controversy, the land belonged to him and if it was so, let one rock fall down within seven days. This was received with joy by the then Olobaagun because he believed that no Jupiter could bring the rock down from the top of the other one.

On the seventh day, when the people gathered again on this disputed land, to the amazement of all those who were present, the upper rock had fallen down on its own, according to the pronouncement of the Aragbiji. The District Officer then said in his judgement that truly the Aragbiji of Iragbiji was indeed the owner of the land.

Since then, there was no more controversy over the ownership of the land, Iragbiji was tagged – nicknamed ``Iragbiji Oloke meji tako tabo lori aagba okan yi lule o ku kan``.

SOME IMPORTANT TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS IN IRAGBIJI:

ORI-OKE FESTIVAL

Ori Oke Festival. © Google

Ori-oke festival is the most important traditional festival in Iragbiji. It is an annual festival celebrated after Egungun festival. Ori-oke and Ogun festivals are celebrated in remembrance of the founder of the town in the month of July every year. The arrangement is such that it coincides with the arrival of the new yam. It is a taboo for the Priests, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and all members of the Ruling Houses to eat the new yam or offer it for sale in any market in the town before the festival is celebrated.

On the festival day, early in the morning, the Chief Priest ``Aboke`` will come to the palace for prayer and he will be provided with the following things: black goat, kolanuts, ``akara`` (baked beans) hot drinks and palm oil to be used for the sacrifice at Ori-oke shrine. After this, he will leave for the shrine with other Priests to perform the sacrifice while awaiting the arrival of the Aragbiji and his chiefs and entourage at the shrine. 

In the palace, the Oba will entertain all the traditional chiefs and invited quests with foods and drinks. The guests include some important personalities and traditional rulers within and outside the state. Ori-oke festival period is the time all sons and daughters of Iragbiji from all walks of life come together and celebrate the festival with their Oba and later in the evening pay homage to the King.

In the afternoon, around 2 o'clock the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and his guests will leave the palace for the Ori-oke shrine with dance Bata, Dundun Sekere and Aro.. The shouts of ``Kabiyesi'' will rent the air along the major roads and streets leading to the shrine. The first point of call is ``Odo Oleyo`` (Oleyo stream) then Ipomosun shrine (this is a small shrine along the road leading to Ori-oke shrine). Here the Oba is expected to meet with the Priest in-charge and offer sacrifice and prayer for peace and tranquility to reign in the town. 

After leaving Ipomosun shrine, the Oba and his people will head for the Ori-oke and climb the hill until they reach the top where the shrine is situated.
In the shrine, the Chief Priest ``Aboke`` will perform the sacrifice with the materials given to him by the Oba for the purpose, he will also pray for the Oba and the town as a whole. It is forbidden for anybody with facial tribal marks to enter the shrine. After this, the Oba and his entourage will start descending the hill dancing and singing songs like:

Ebami gbomo oke....
Lanti lanti....

Boda dodun Eran dudu.....
nifa nje......

While descending from the hill, the Oba will have to stop at some specific places to offer prayers and worship his ancestors. One of these places is Popo where the Oba is expected to change his dress and the crown. Here he would put on another dress with Iya-Ade which he normally wears once in a year and continue the journey to his palace. At the palace, small crown and go back to Oja-Oba to meet the Arugba. The Arugba must not look back or fall down. The Igba is usually carried by somebody from girl. The Arugba will come and pay homage to the Oba and bless the entire town. 

While going, people will be struggling to torch the calabash, the general belief is that anybody that torches this calabash especially the barren will be fruitful and bear child during the next Ori-oke festival. After receiving the Arugba, the Oba finally leaves the Oja-Oba for his palace.

The festival will continue and ends on the seventh day at the palace where the Oba is expected to bring out all his crowns including the ones he inherited from his forefathers for sacrifice by the Chief Priest to round up the festival.

EGUNGUN FESTIVAL:

Egungun Fsetival. © Google

This is another important festival in Iragbiji. During the Ojolikoko festival, the date of commencement of Egungun festival would be formally announced. Egungun festival is celebrated in Iragbiji in remembrance of their ancestors. The festival always comes up in the month of May every year. The Egungun festival usually spans seven days.

The seventh day is the D-day. It is the day to round up the festival with the convergence of all the Masquerades at the Oja-oba to entertain the people while the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and his chiefs will be on the ground in Oja-oba from 5.00 p.m. in the evening to receive them and perform the traditional blessing.

Oguntunde brought Gbegbe Masquerade, the then Jagun Kaoko from Nupe land. This is the oldest, the most popular and the leader of all Masquerades in the town.

In the evening of the seventh day, the Gbegbe Masquerade and the followers will dance and sing round the town and will be the last Masquerade to come to Oja-oba to pay homage to the Oba and chiefs with a song like this:

Oke ni Gbegbe......

Oke ni Gbegbe......

Iwo la fi se....

Iwo la fi sagba Oje....

Iwo la fi se.....

The Gbegbe Masquerade is the last to come for the traditional blessings from the Aragbiji of Iragbiji and his chiefs at Oja-oba after which no other Masquerade can appear in the market again. The appearance of Gbegbe Masquerade at Oja-oba is the end of the Egungun festival for the year.

•culled from www.africancraft.com

ARIGINYA: A FESTIVAL OF VIRGINITY IN IKARE AKOKO

IKARE AKOKO

Ariginya: A Festival Of Virginity All over the world, there are dances, practices, myths and traditions that are peculiar to one ethnic group or the other. This, they often exhibit in their festivals. There is the popular Argungu festival in the East, the Kwahi and the Swange dance in Benue State marking the new yam festival. There is the Eyo and Agere festival in Lagos; the Zangbeto in Badagry; the Osun of Osogbo; the Olojo festival at Ile-Ife; the Ojude Oba festival in Ogun State; the Oke Ibadan; Oke Iragbiji festivals and several others. All of these occasions require a particular peculiarity that draws indigenes and foreigners alike from all over the world to partake in the aura of the events. Of all these festivals, one is outstandingly different: The Ariginya and the

Ijeroba festivals of the Ikare Akoko in the Ondo area of the South-Western states in Nigeria.

It is a celebration of the community's virgins in outright nudity. The origin, the significance, the modalities and the challenges of running a festival like this in a civilised decade that we are, are all the Owa Ale of Ikare -Akoko through his representative, the Asoju Oba, and one of the maidens of the occasion unveiled to our culture correspondent at the occasion. A festival in colours Few months ago, in May to be precise, the ancient town of Ikare- Akoko was agog.

There was wining, dinning and backslapping in celebration of another year gone by. It was a day when the people of Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State converged one more time to appease the goddess of fertility. It was a moment of renewal of faith and belief in the tradition of the land; renewal of acquaintances and as well, a time to reassert one's purity and innocence in the presence of families, friends and relatives and the horde of visitors from all over the world.

It was the annual Ariginya festival, and expectedly, this year's event was not in any way different from the previous ones. One week before the event, tell-tale signs of a big event were in the air. There were banners, signposts and posters with various inscriptions welcoming visitors, tourists, sons and daughters of the land to yet another occasion of the wonderful Ariginya festival. 

All the roads leading to the town were 'bathed' in bright colours, indicating the gaity of the said occasion. The people on the other hand, were quite willing. Right from the palace of the traditional rule, the Owa Ale of the town, His Royal Highness, Oba S.K.A. Adedoyin, down to the market place, everyone was simply in a celebration mood. Foreigners were not left out as some of them, according to the Owa, were around to capture the year's scene while policemen were also on ground for security purpose. More vehicles had entered the rustic town more than ever before, with the dwellers experiencing an unusual traffic jam from taxi drivers and commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as okada riders.

Explaining why this is so, the Asoju Oba of the land, speaking on behalf of the Oba related the issue with a traditional fact. According to him, the history of any group of people or settlement, especially in Africa is incomplete without their ability to lay claim on a particular tradition and culture that would link them with an ancestral home. For the Yoruba, he said, they must have a link with Ile-Ife, their ancestral home and this must be shown in a particular tradition. His people, on their part, brought many traditions from Ife, notable among which are the Ariginya and the Ijeroba festivals.

The intriguing part of this is that while many would celebrate theirs in an array of colourful outfits and accessories, others would do theirs in simple tools and working implements that are peculiar to their community. For the Ikare-Akoko, their style and motive is peculiarly different. The mandatory nakedness. The Ariginya festival is celebrated yearly and it is a festival for the goddess of fertility. 

During this occasion, all the maidens, the unmarried girls in the land would file out from the palace of the Owa Ale nakedly, to a stream known as the Ariginya stream just a few distance from the palace. At the stream, there is a shrine where a particular sacrifice would be made. As soon as the sacrifice is made, some water from the stream would be sprinkled on these maidens and off they move to the town's square which is also close to the stream. 

While all these are going on, the drummers and traditional songsters are at their bit doing their thing, creating a festive wave in the atmosphere. All these however are made in the public; in the glare of everyone, young and old, male and female. At the village square, another segment of the festival is commenced. A wrestling contest involving the eligible men ready for marriage that year would be next. The men are to fight vigorously to pick the girl of their choices.

The Ariginya is a festival used to measure the moral standard of the Ikare maidens and prepare them pure and alluring to many men around. Whether crude or not, it is an avenue to show those virgins in their very raw and undefiled form to set the mouth of their male admirers watering. It is a platform where a vital foundation for a blissful marital life is made. For a girl to have participated in this festival of nudity, she has achieved a lot by establishing her purity and a life free of promiscuity. She is therefore the pride of, not only her parents and family members, but of the entire community as a whole.

Wherever she goes henceforth, she raises her head high above her shoulders. Meanwhile, any Ikare maiden who is unable to take part in this festival is outrightly ostracised by her friends and family. She is dismissed as a girl of easy virtue and treated as such. This explains why every girl would always struggle to be part of the occasion that their virginity might be celebrated. Strange as this may sound, these exhibition of nudity remains the maidens' pride any day. Their age range from one year to any marriageable age of 18 and above.

Even the barren according to the Asoju come during the festival. "It is not just a festival of fertility, but of progress and co-existence in the Ikare-Akoko town," he said. 

Detecting those defiled While it is mandatory and almost a thing of fashion for young ladies to be part of this festival particularly to establish their state of purity, not many of them were able to scale through the process. There are some who dare to play a fast one. But, the oracle was also prompt to address the situation.

According to records, on the day of the festival, it is an abomination for rain to fall, so, should rain dare fall on that day, the festival committee instantly would know that a defiler is amidst the group. They then would try and pacify them to tell the truth. If none of them opened up, the oracle would be consulted and the offender on detection would be beheaded by an accompanying masquerade. However, a lot of ladies are no longer part of this festival. Their number has drastically reduced, all thanks to the high-tech civilisation that is infringing on their sexual purity on a daily basis.

On another hand are the parents who would not want to lose their wards to some rigid doctrine and its blood sucking masquerade all because of some sexual immorality consciously or unconsciously committed. The age bracket has dropped from 18 and above that it used to be to majorly 15 downwards. And whether or not it is acceptable, the festival remains the main festival that the town identifies with till today.

Prominent Cultural Festivals That Thrill The People Of Osun

Osun Festival. © Google

Osun has a fairly large population. According to the 2006 National Population Census, the population of the state is put at 3,423,535. The state is rich in human and material resources.

Historical evidence shows that the Yoruba tradition is one of the earliest and dominant traditions in Nigeria. The people of Osun are predominantly Yoruba. The state is composed of Osun, Ifes, Ijesas and Igbominas. Their language is Yoruba but there are variations in intonation and accent in across the towns and cities. Osun is culturally rich and this can be seen in all spheres of life such as arts, literature, music and other social activities in the state. Here is a look at some of the cultural festivals in the state.

Egungun Festival:

Egungun refers to the return of the ancestors in masquerade form and is celebrated by the Yoruba people. In Iragbiji, a town near Osogbo, the Egungun festival is celebrated as the period of interaction between the living and the dead. Many colourful masquerades parade the streets and offer prayers for the living.

The festival takes place in May every year and lasts for seven days. On the final day of the festival, all of the masquerades meet at the Oja-oba (king's market) to entertain the people. The Aragbiji (owner) of Iragbiji and his chiefs arrive at Oja-oba from 5.00pm to receive them and perform the traditional blessing.

Osun Oshogbo Festival:

Osun Oshogbo festival has a two week programme of events starting with the traditional cleansing of the town called "Iwopopo" followed by the lighting of 500 years old sixteen points lamp three days later, called "Olojomerindinlogun." This is followed by "Ibroriade," which is the assemblage of the crowns of the past ruler (Ataojas) for blessings and its being led by the Ataoja who is the ruler and votary maid (Arugba) propelled by Yeye Osun, and a committee of priestesses. The Arugba bore the people age-long prayers to the grove in a calabash of effigy which can only be carried by a virgin, which signifies purity.

This festival, with its international status, has become a major tourist attraction. Observations over the years have shown that the festive period is about the best time to see the city as people parade the streets in their colours. The people look forward to it with great expectation and for the period that it lasts, procession, dance, art exhibition, and colourful carnivals are major attractions of the Osun Oshogbo cultural festival.

The event over the years, has given residents and tourists the opportunity to recreate socially, culturally, as they re-enact one of their renowned age-long spiritual and communal feast. Indeed the Osun Oshogbo has been and is one of the most outstanding and preserved cultural practices of the various festivals in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Olojo Festival: This is the biggest festival on the culture calendar of Ile-Ife. The Olojo (controller of time-Death) festival is celebrated in remembrance of Ogun, the god of iron who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa as well as the creation of the world according to Yoruba mythology. The festival takes place annually in October and involves several elaborate ritual prayers led by the Ooni. It is marked by a carnival-like atmosphere and is attended by people of all ages. Olojo has remained popular in Ile-Ife because it is the only day in the year believed to be specially blessed by Olodumare (the Creator of the Universe).

Iwude Festival: Iwude Festival is the mother of all festivals in Ijesha land. It is so because it is the that brings all Ijesa people together. This month – long festival which starts in the palace of Owa Obokun of Ijesha land in Ilesa, extends to other parts of Ijesha land such as Ipole, Ibokun and Ijebu-jesa, before ending where it starts in Ilesa, before. It is therefore a festival that involves not only Ilesa, but also other parts of Ijesa North and Ijesa South, as they are now called today.

Iwude Festival is in essence therefore, a festival of unity. Iwude Festival is a festival in which a well – deserved honour is given to Kabiyesi, Owa Obaokun. It is a festival of rich culture.

The cultural displays also feature the festival greetings of the chiefs – with junior chiefs using their swords to beat the ground in front of the senior chiefs, people and using such swords to beat those of the senior chiefs.

*culled from www.nigeriabulletin.com

ILESHA: THE LAND OF THE MERCHANTS

Ilesa, the traditional capital of the Ijesa nation, is located in Osun State and strategically positioned in the heart of Ijesaland, South West, Nigeria.

Ijesa, a dialect in Yorubaland, is used to identify the unified people known as the Ijesas that occupy six local government areas of Osun State namely: Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Obokun and Oriade local governments.

Ilesa: meaning 'Ile ti a sa' (a homeland we chose), like most Yoruba speaking towns and villages, in and outside the shore of Nigeria, has Ile-Ife as its ancestral home.

The name Ilesa, meaning 'a homeland we chose', shows the doggedness and resolute determination of the Ijesa people to go headlong into achieving whatever they want and ensure that they succeed.

Ilesa in history, is the capital of the first Local Council in Nigeria (Ijesa/Ekitiparapo Council), named by the British Colonial Administrator on June 21, 1900, comprising the present day Ondo and Ekiti States of Nigeria.

Historically, Ilesa was founded by Owaluse, a grandson of Ajibogun Ajaka, Owa Obokun Onida Arara, the most accomplished son of Oduduwa, the progenitor of Yoruba race.

The traditional ruler of Ilesa and Ijesaland by extension is titled 'Owa Obokun Adimula', while the current Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, is Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran 11.

As attested to by Rev. Williams Howard Clark in 1854, who was claimed to have said "for its cleanliness, regularity in breath and width, and the straightness of its streets, the ancient city far surpasses any native town I have seen in black Africa". Ilesa is a well-planned ancient city that has link routes that no town of its size can lay claim to in Yoruba land.

The ingenuity of the founding fathers of Ilesa is obvious in the well planned layout that makes it relatively impossible for motorists to be locked up in a traffic jam because there are a lot of link routes that could be taken as alternate routes to get to one's destination.

Ilesa, for ages, has had a lot of magnificent buildings, because the natives are known to be adventurous, industrious, hardworking and widely travelled.

In fact, there is hardly a community in Nigeria where you will not find the Ijesas and they are indeed making waves in whatever human endeavour they may choose to engage in, even outside the shores of Nigeria.

Unlike what obtains in towns in Osun State, it may interest you to know that most of the magnificent buildings in Ilesa are built from mud bricks made from God endowed clay soil.

Like earlier mentioned in reference to merchandize, the Ijesa people are versatile in commerce and are predominantly traders and farmers. They have cut a niche for themselves as the architect of 'Osomaalo' meaning, 'I will only squat to recover my money', an appellation they derived from their subtle way of introducing their textile materials to their customers only to come around to use force to recover the debt owed them by unsuspecting customers when they failed to observe the agreed installmental payment.

It has to be explained that the Ijesa trader, called Osomaalo, does not actually intend to choose to punish themselves by squatting, instead of sitting conveniently, to recover debts owed them, but the experience of those who had had their buttocks glued to seats whenever they go for such debt recovery had served as lesson to them, hence the need to squat rather than sit only to have their buttocks glued to their seats.

As a land of commerce, Ilesa is known to have large deposits of gold in commercial quantities and other minerals in considerable proportion.

Apart from being major producers of farm produce such as cocoa, kola nut, plantain, yam among numerous others, Ilesa is a major collection point for the export of Cocoa.

An Ijesa chief distinguishes himself from other chiefs in Osun State with their traditional round-neck bead as against the dangling ones used by chiefs from other parts of the state.

Traditionally, Ilesa people are known for their preference for pounded yam and egusi soup (melon mixed with vegetable) meal, the best drink is fresh palm wine while the traditional costume for men is flowing gown (agbada) over buba and soro with women wearing buba over wrapper with headgear.

Ogun, (god of iron), masquerade, 'Uyi Arere', festivals are traditional celebrations that attract indigenes and foreigners to Ilesa during their celebrations.

However, most outstanding of them all is the Iwude Ogun, in which the sitting Owa Obokun would visit all traditional chiefs in Ilesa with the prayer for peaceful coexistence amongst the people of the town.

It also involves visitation to notable shrines by the monarch to offer prayers to their ancestors, for peace to reign in his kingdom.

Iwude celebration has been modernized to attract tourists, involve the youths and remove the toga of idol worshiping that it was known for because the Ijesas are at the fore front of the propagation of Christianity and Islamic religion as it manifests from notable religious leaders that are Ijesas.

Prominent among such are: Ajagbemokeferi, a renowned Islamic scholar, Prophet T. Obadare of the World Soul Evangelistic Ministry, Prophet Fakeye of Cherubim and Sheraphim Church, Ayo Ni O, all of blessed memory.

Others include Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of Redeem Christian Church, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi of Deeper Life Church, Pastor S. K. Abiara, Gen. Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, to mention but few.

With the modernized Iwude festival that lasted thirty days, various innovations such as beauty pageant, football match competition, traditional games competition, traditional wrestling, traditional music ministration, all introduced to add colour to the festival, youths, ijesas of diverse religion, friends of the ijesas and tourists now join in the celebration of the festival.

The festival provides a rare opportunity for all and sundry to come face-to-face and exchange pleasantries with the chief celebrant of the occasion, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, even as they offer prayers for another year of fruitful blessing.

Apart from commerce that the Ijesas are noted for, their courage in protecting their territory was made manifest in the great Kiriji war, led by the warlord, Ogedengbe Agbogun Gboro, Atiponpon loju ogun.

However, despite the passion the Ijesas have for commerce, those who are not close to them will not know that they have a way of enjoying themselves during their leisure hours after all an adage says "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

They do this by listening to and dancing to music that is peculiar to them, known as Adamo music,which is a traditional Ijesa genre of music with distinct features.

Ilesa is home to the International Breweries Limited, Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex, Wesley Guild, the famous Ilesa Grammar School, Osun State College of Education and many cottage industries.

Apart from the Ijesas, Ilesa is home to other people across the globe because of their readiness to accommodate people that are industrious and innovative.

•Culled from www.leadership.com

Oke Ibadan : A Hill of Historical Significance

The Okebadan. © Google

There are various accounts of the origin of ''Okebadan" but there is a common agreement among them with the resolution that Lagelu: Oro Apata-Maja, who was the founder of Ibadan, was also the one that established Okebadan.

The first account according to Femi Osofisan in the prologue he wrote for a book [Ibadan Mesiogo], says dissident soldiers from Oyo, Ife and Ijebu all came to the place called Ebaodan to settle after the sacking of Owu which was as a result of the disintegration of the old Oyo Empire. This new settlement was a savannah land backing the forest of the Egba. Among these dissident soldiers was a great warrior called Lagelu from Ife who became their leader. He consulted an oracle on-behalf of the new settlers to enable them know the future of their new settlement and he was told that they should adopt [Eleyele Hill] as their guardian deity. Eleyele Hill then became Okebadan Hill.

Another account by the late Oba Akinyele, in his book" Iwe Itan Ibadan Ati Die Ninu Awon Ilu Agbegbe re bi Iwo, Osogbo Ati Ikirun ' ', says, Lagelu left Ile-Ife to set up his own community as was the order of the day then. According to Professor Bolanle Awe, before Lagelu left, he consulted Ifa oracle for guidance as was the custom of the Yoruba people and was told to settle where there were many hills which he did, hence the founding of Ibadan. After he had settled along with those that left with him, their neighboring communities waged war against them.

According to the late E.A. Adeyemo, in an opening address read during a lecture organized by the Okebadan Union on March 17th, 1988 at Mapo Hall, (as an integral part of war tactics of the Ibadan people, they receded and went on to the top of the mountain to plan a counter-attack against their enemies). During this period, the people believed that the hill provided them with security, food, shelter and spiritual backing in order to subdue their enemies. As a result, they decided to commemorate the event annually. This was said to have happened around 1820 and the Odu-Ifa [Ifa divination verse] that was given them was ''Ose meji" which later became ''Ose Olubadan"as given by Justice Fakeye in a paper he presented at a symposium organized by ''Okebadan Union'' in commemoration of 1988 Okebadan festival.

Another account said Lagelu left Ile-Ife to settle in the present Ibadan; that, on arrival, he met some other people but, being a great warrior, he settled with them but farther away  to the savannah part which prompted the name ''Eba Odan" [beside the savannah] which later metamorphosed to Ibadan. Within a very short period, the new settlement started witnessing progress and prosperity as an answer to four things that Lagelu requested from Olodumare before settling in Ibadan, viz: prosperity, blessing upon the traders, responsible partners for his children and for himself, good health and long-life. The answer to these requests instigated influx of people from different parts of Yorubaland to Ibadan. As a result of the size of the new community [Ibadan], the Alafin of Oyo, Sango, decided to make Lagelu the generalissimo of the Yoruba army [Aare Ona Kakanfo].

With the new status of Lagelu, and that of his town, they decided to practice some aspects of Yoruba traditional belief which included egungun festival. It was during the course of the egungun festival in a certain year that the costume of a masquerade fell off thereby revealing the identity of the masquerade to the children and women present. The news got to Sango –the Alafin of Oyo-who was furious at the desecration of the tradition of which he was a custodian. He sent for other Yoruba monarchs like the Orangun of Ila, the Owa of Ijesaland, the Alake of Egba, among others who deliberated on the issue and decided to wage war against Ibadan as punishment for their abomination act. Lagelu got wind of the planned invasion and summoned his warriors and civilians to be prepared for the impending ''World war" as it was tagged. When the battle began, Lagelu people fought gallantly and made it difficult for the allied forces to overcome them. The war lasted about three years contrary to the expectation of the allied forces; many people were killed and the new settlement was scattered and destroyed.

The survivors, including Lagelu, his children and few supporters, were driven to the top of Eleyele Hill where they dwelt for years. They lived on top of this hill  without food, clothes or shelter. They fed on the fruits of ''oro" trees [Iryingia gabonensis] which they found on top of the hill and also snails that were in abundance there. This is why part of Ibadan's praise song says: Ibadan, Omo ajoro sun, Omo ajegbin je ikarahun, Omo afi Ikarahun fo' ri mu," translated to mean: Ibadan indigenes/offspring of those who ate oro for supper, offspring of those who ate oro for support, offspring of those who ate snails to satisfaction, offspring of those who took hot pap in the snails shell. All these point to the fact that the hill provided them with Oro fruits and snails for food. Once they had little peace, they started cultivating the land to plant maize which they used for making pap and because there was no bowl with which to drink the pap, they drank from the snail's shells. They were on top of the hill for a long time and, from there, the children of Lagelu  started invading  neighboring villages at night, setting their huts ablaze and carting away their properties. Because of this, Lagelu's children could not get married because people were afraid of them. This prompted Lagelu to give  consent to his children to marry one another so as to continue the generation.

It was on top of this mountain that their number started to increase. When they discovered that the place could not accommodate them anymore, and the condition of the place not no longer conducive, they decided to come down from the hill.

The place where they settled was called ''Ori Yangi". There, they built new houses and established a market which people patronized. Within a short period, the new settlement began to witness influx of people from far and near and there was progress and peace. Upon the observation of the progress recorded within a short period, Lagelu's children decided to worship Eleyele Hill where they had dwelt for years.

This later became ''Okebadan" [Ibadan Hill] and a festival organized for its commemoration. Their belief was that Okebadan was the factor behind the success and progress recorded in the new community, coupled with the belief that the mountain protected and fed them when they were dwelling on its top.

Not quite long after they had settled at ''Ori Yangi", Lagelu died at old age. His children buried his corpse on top of the hill[Okebadan]. With this, their zeal to worship Okebadan became high because the tomb of their ancestor was there. It was also alleged that the hunchback herbalist that consulted the oracle for them when they came to Ibadan and who later ''yielded" himself as the sacrificial material had his remains buried on top of the hill. As a result, it is claimed that the Aboke [Okebadan priest] during Okebadan festival will have to go to the tomb of the hunchback to offer sacrifice. This was before the shrine was moved to ''Oja Iba".

OKEBADAN FESTIVAL

The Okebadan. © Google

The Aboke [the priest of Okebadan] is the one that chooses the day for the celebration of the festival to Olubadan and his chiefs. The day so chosen is usually Thursday and it is always in the month of March because it falls within the rainy season, so as to appease the spirit of the hill to give them abundant rain for their crops. Also Thursday is chosen as it is regarded as the day that Yoruba people worship their deities as denoted by the name of the day ''Ojobo" [Thursday, the day Orisa is worshipped].

After the Olubadan and the council of chiefs had approved the day, announcement is made to the people for necessary preparations. Olubadan provides all the sacrifice materials such as cows, snails, fish, tortoise, dogs, etc. as required by the Aboke.

On the day of celebration, that used to be a work-free day, the people start the festival by thanking their ancestors for keeping them alive to witness the day. Also they take cold meal on the day as a reminder of the period their ancestors were on top of the mountain without food. Later in the day, the Aboke performs rituals at the shrine which has now been moved from Okebadan Hill to ''Oja ''ba" [Oba market ]. The Aboke, though a man dresses like a woman depicting the presumed feminine nature of the spirit of Okebadan while performing the rites and the people go about rejoicing.

After the rituals, the Aboke heads for the house of Yade, one of Lagelu's daughters who led a group of woman warrior and subdued the enemies of Ibadan upon which a crown was taken from one of the communities and torn by her which gave her the ''Yade"[tear the crown]. From her house, the Aboke visits other chiefs.

During the festival, ''embarrassing" songs are sang, but they portray the history of Ibadan people. Most of these songs point at the time Lagelu and his people moved about half-naked while others point at war expertise of Ibadan people. They songs include:

Baba to nlo                                Hey old man going
Jawajawa epon                         you are with dangling scrotum
Okoo tisa                                  Teacher penis
Kiki sooki                                   Full of chalk
O sobo dandawi                        She opened her virgina wide
Omode yii sobo  dandawi        This girl opened her virgina wide

SIGNIFICANCE OF OKEBADAN
One of the significance of Okebadan festival is to pave the way for peace and smooth organization of Ibadanland as given by Professor Bolanle Awe in a paper she presented at a seminar organized by the Okebadan Union in 1988 at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. She stated that after the performance of the rituals by the Aboke, he moves round the paramount chiefs palaces to pay homage and pray for prosperity and survival.

Similarly, she mentioned that the festival brings peace and harmony among the Ibadan people from far and near. Awe further stated that the occasion is used to foster peace, improve sanitation and mutual cooperation among the people to get ready for a healthy reunion and to pray for further blessings upon the community.

Also mentioned was that the festival is believed to increase fertility and paves the way for bumper harvest as deduced from Okebadan songs. This fact was corroborated by Mrs Kemi Morgan in a paper she presented at the same seminar when she tried to explain the reason for the vulgar songs and language used during the festival. She said some of the songs are reminders of the period that Lagelu and his people were going about half naked. She stated that other songs came about as a result of experience they had when, due to panic, the children born during that period in Ibadan died prematurely, while some pregnant women died during labor. This situation was said to have caused frigidity among the men making them temporarily impotent. When they could no longer impregnate their women, the oracle was consulted, and they were told to be singing songs that will satiate their sexual appetite during the festival and this justifies the significance of Okebadan as an avenue to increase the number of children.

Morgan  stated that the festival is a way of commemorating the past heroes and the founding fathers for what they did to establish Ibadan. She submitted that the celebration is like marking the founder's day. She said it was the assistance that was given to Lagelu and his offspring in terms of security, protection and provision of food that prompted the people of Ibadan to commemorate the event yearly and not as a form of idol worshiping as enunciated by some critics.

CRITICISM:

The celebration of Okebadan festival has elicited a lot criticism as it is regarded as idol worshipping. This insinuation has been debunked by the Ibadan people, saying that they are only observing the tradition of their forebears. They further argued that it is a means of commemorating the critical period in the history when they were living on top of the hill without food and shelter and the provision and protection they got from the hill during the period.

*Kareem Kolawole Adesina is A.C.T.O (Antiquity)National Museum, Ibadan

*culled from www.vanguardng.com

Trinidad and Tobago Holidays and Festivals

Carnival

The greatest show on earth is our annual Carnival celebrations held forty days before Easter in February or March. It is an explosion of colour, costumery, creativity, music and dance which culminates on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with the Parade of Bands.

The weeks preceding Carnival are filled with the sounds of the Steel band and Calypso, as well as the infectious music of the countless "fetes" or parties that are held at this time. On Carnival Saturday, the Children's Parade of Bands takes place from 9.00 am. That evening, hundreds of steel pans and pannists, organised into steel bands or steel orchestras for the finals of the fiercely competitive 'Panorama' competition.

The 'Dimanche Gras' competition, where The King and Queen of Carnival and the National Calypso Monarch are crowned, is held at Queen's Park Savannah on Sunday evening. J' Ouvert the official start of Carnival begins at 2.00 am on Monday, the Parade of Bands at 11.00 am and on Tuesday at 9.00 am. Over the entire festival King Carnival reigns supreme.

Phagwa

Phagwa or Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colour has been celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago since the arrival of the "Fatel Razack", the first ship bringing indentured Indian labourers in 1845. This festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and symbolizes the beginning of the Hindu new year and spring in India. It takes place on the full moon day in the month of February or March. It is a time for religious worship, playing music, chowtal singing (Indian folk-songs) and tassa drumming.

Though no spring season exists in Trinidad, each March the local Hindu community recognises the beginning of spring and the Hindu New Year, as do the Hindus in India. A major hallmark of the festival is the vegetable dye abeer, a fuschia liquid which is sprayed over Phagwa participants. Special singing and dancing competitions are also included in the celebrations.

Hindus and Non-Hindus alike join in the celebrations which begin at the break of dawn. Bonfires are lit to symbolise the destruction of Holika, the evil sister of King Hiranya Kashipu, and neighbours and friends armed with abeer (a coloured powder dissolved in water liquid), visit one another and meet in public places to joyfully spray each other.

As with other festivals, the rich cultural blend is evident in the music which combine African, calypso and East Indian rhythms. Dancing and re-enactments of the legend of Holika are integral to this festival which can be enjoyed in Trinidad in El Socorro, Chaguanas, and San Fernando among other locations. Increased national participation bears further testimony to the cultural melting pot.

Hosay

"Hosein" or "Hosay" as it usually pronounced in Trinidad, has its origins in a religious ceremony formerly practised only by the Muslim sect known as " Shiites ". However because of certain non Muslim practices which have crept into it, it is no longer considered a religious event but a cultural festival.

This festival is in honour of two brothers Hosein and Hassan who were treacherously murdered in a Persian holy war. It is celebrated in the Muhurram month of the Muslim calendar, ten days after the appearance of the new moon. There is therefore no set month of the Roman calendar when it is held. As the time approaches " tadjahs " are made mosque like in shape, ten to fifteen feet high, marvelous in design and colour, and cleverly constructed of bamboo, multi-coloured paper, tinsel and bits of glass.

On the day of the festival these " tadjahs " are pulled to some appointed place in the presence of thousands of onlookers and cast into the sea or river. The most popular processions are held in Trinidad in the towns of St. James, Curepe, Tunapuna, Couva and Cedros.

Eid Ul Fitr

Eid Ul Fitr, the Muslim religious festival is marked by the new moon of Ramadan which heralds the Muslim New Year. It is celebrated as a thanksgiving to Allah (God) for successful completion of the prayers and fasting required during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

It is a day of subdued rejoicing enjoined by the Holy Prophet Muhammed when all Muslims participate in congregational prayers in the masjids (mosques). Muslims and non Muslims alike visit one another, to exchange gifts and enjoy tasty delicacies. Among them is the traditional dish of Sawine made with milk, raisins, chopped almonds and vermicelli.

Divali

Divali is the Hindu religious festival of light which has been celebrated in Trinidad for over one century. For the Hindu community it is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and for re-dedication through prayer and fasting. On Divali day, Hindus perform puja (prayers) and invite friends and families to their homes. They share special vegetarian meals and Indian sweets made with milk, butter and flour.

Around 6 pm, the lighting of deyas (small earthenware pots with wicks and oil), begin. Thousands of flickering deyas create a wonderful scene, illuminating the way for the visit of Lakshmi,the Goddess of Light. Hundreds attend the Divali celebrations held in Trinidad in towns such as St. Augustine and Chaguanas and villages such as Penal in south Trinidad. In more recent times a major centre for the observance of this festival has been developed, Divali Nagar (village). Here there is a showcase of traditional Hindu culture, cuisine and displays of arts and crafts.

Christmas

Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago is a celebration in which almost everyone participates regardless of religious persuasion. Traditionally Christians attend religious service either at midnight or on Christmas morning. Christmas Day is devoted to visiting relatives and friends and exchanging gifts. However the cultural blend of our people make some of our Christmas customs and traditions unique.

Among these are the traditional dishes such as pastelles (corn patties filled with spiced meat), beverages such as ponche de creme (a potent blend of rum, milk, eggs and spices), ginger beer (brewed from the ginger root), and sorrel (fruit juice). Musical traditions are evidenced by the strains of parang, music played on a cuatro (a four stringed instrument) accompanied by a song in Castillan Spanish. Weeks before Christmas, especially in rural areas, paranderos (parang singers) visit the homes of their acquaintances to sing about the Birth of Christ in return for the listeners' hospitality.

Tobago Heritage Festival

This festival, begun in 1987, captures the unique cultural tradition of the island of Tobago and has become to Tobago what Carnival is to Trinidad. It usually lasts for two weeks and is held from mid-July to early August. Throughout the festival, visitors can traverse the quaint, friendly villages to savour traditional culinary delights such as dumplings (boiled dough) and curried crab.

Hundreds enjoy the indigenous folk songs, dance, music, drama and sporting events. In all of them the combined influences of the Amerindian, African, and European cultures are evident. Among the highlights are the "Ole Time Carnival", "Ole Time Wedding", and the more contemporary "Miss Heritage Pageant". At times, other celebrations such as the landing at Plymouth of the 17th century Courlanders and Emancipation Day coincide with this festival.

Steel Band Festival

The Steel band Festival is normally held in Port of Spain, Trinidad during October to November over a three week period. It is a unique opportunity for the visitor to experience the only new musical invention of the 20th century. Steel pan players compete in classical and indigenous traditions for categorised titles.

The competition comprises two categories, the School Steel Bands and the National Steel Bands which occur on alternate years. There are normally three nights of preliminaries, two nights of semi-finals and the final night. The winning steel orchestras are usually awarded a prize trip to a major metropolitan centre to give public performances.

*culled from www.discover-tt.net

Niger Holidays and Festivals

Around 90 percent of Niger's population is Muslim, and this influences the ceremonies and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. For example, Ramadan and the associated Eid al Fitr are important Islamic festivals observed in Niger. The rest of the population follows the Baha'i faith, and Christianity, although the larger festivals in Niger will reflect traditional, indigenous beliefs, such as the Cure Salee (Festival of Nomads). Christian festivals are also observed as Niger holidays, such as Christmas and Easter.

Easter

Easter Monday is a national public holiday in Niger. Although Christians are a minority in the country, the government respects the beliefs of both Muslims and Christians since both holidays are observed nationally. Easter is usually April or May, according to the Christian Calendar.

Nigerien Independence Day

Celebrated on August 3 annually, this public holiday commemorates the country's independence from France in 1960. Since 1975 it has also been conjointly celebrated as Arbor Day, where citizens are encouraged to plant a tree to celebrate their young country's nascence, but also to combat desertification, which is a concerning environmental problem the country faces.

Cure Salee

This is the largest traditional festival celebrated in Niger, where the Tuareg and Wodaabe people from the north gather in the town of Ingall to celebrate the end of the rainy season. It usually occurs on the last weekend of September, just as the rains are ceasing. Cure Salee translates as 'Salt Cure' from French (the official language of Niger). The clans gather at the salt flats and pools to refresh their cattle and goats in preparation for the dry season ahead of them. It is also a time of traditional courtship, and many weddings are held during this time. The government has been sponsoring this centuries-old tradition and now heralds it as a major tourist attraction.

Eid al Fitr

This is a Muslim festival held at the end of the 30-day Ramadan fast. Ramadan is usually held between September and November, according to the Islamic calendar. The most notable gathering for the Eid al Fitr festival is the horseman show and carnival at the Sultan's Palace, in the desert city of Zinder.

Tabaski

Also known as Eid al Adha, this is an Islamic festival commemorating Abraham's sacrifice. At this time the locals feast on goat or lamb in remembrance, and it is considered an important family festival in Niger. It usually occurs in December or January according to the Islamic calendar.

•Culled from www.olaleone.com

Lithuania Holidays and Festivals

Like its neighboring Baltic states, Lithuania is quite a festive nation. However, this probably comes down to the fact that before 1991, it was part of the Soviet Bloc. Many of Lithuania holidays are only about 20 years old, beginning shortly after the country's independence from Russia. Three days of fun and excitement are found at July's Sea Festival, which boasts music, food, and plenty of performances. For a unique experience, visit Lithuania during May to find out what Street Music Day is all about.

Sea Festival

The Klaipeda city's Sea Festival occurs every July, and is as the busiest and largest summer celebration in the country. The event lasts for three full days and sees more than half a million people flock to the port to dance and listen to music. People from all over Europe make their way here every year, so advance reservations are important.

Kaunas Jazz

Since Lithuania's first independence from communist Russia in 1991, the Kaunas Jazz Festival has lured thousands of jazz lovers from around the world.

Klaipeda Castle Jazz Festival

Started in 1994 by the Klaipeda University's Jazz Music Department, the Klaipeda Castle Jazz Festival is one of the city's most acclaimed attractions. Held in the warm month of June, the event is free, and music is usually played at some sort of open-air concert venue.

Rock Nights

Held annually in August, the warmer weather is a backdrop to good beats. Thousands of visitors come to Lithuania for the music, but stay for a range of other entertainment options, including drawing, spas, workshops, and dancing.

Blues Nights

Blues Nights is a festival held at the beginning of July, in the out-of-the-way town of Varniai, on Lukstas Lake. The beautiful shores are transformed into a modern Woodstock-type landscape, with tents blanketing the area with fireworks and games like basketball.

Pazaislis Music Festival

First established in 1996, the Pazaislis Music Festival often ranks among Europe's best events, drawing even the current Lithuanian president in attendance. Both modern and classical tunes are fused together in Kaunas and other cities around Klaipeda.

Vilnius International Film Festival

The Vilnius International Film Festival is among Europe's most popular film events. Held each March, this majestic celebration brings together avid film buffs, critics, producers, and actors from across the continent and globe. It began in 1995, but quickly rose to prominence, attracting more than 50,000 people every year. The festival is also held in other cities around Lithuania.

Street Music Day

Held on the first Saturday in May, Street Music Day is one of the largest events in the country. Parks, gardens, streets, concert halls, and schools radiate with music, making it one of the most memorable days on the Lithuanian calendar.

culled from www.iexplore.com

Djibouti Holidays and Festivals

Djibouti holidays and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Many of these cultural events are based on religious practices and observances, including Islamic and Christian celebrations. Ramadan and Christmas are highly anticipated, while Independence Day is also a big holiday, marked by many traditions, singing and dancing and overflowing food. The dates of Islamic festivals vary each year according to the lunar calendar. Fixed holidays include New Year's, Labor Day, Independence Day, and Christmas.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day in Djibouti is celebrated with fervor. Schools and offices are closed and everyone puts on a festive sprit. New Year's Eve parties are held everywhere and continue on until daybreak.

Independence Day

Djibouti's Independence is celebrated on June 27 each year. The date commemorates the country's liberation from France and highlights the best of their local traditions. Expect lively and colorful themed parades (which changes every year), as well as speeches from important dignitaries. There is plenty of dancing, singing and general merriment in addition to a military parade which showcases the different equipment the national army has at its disposal. The parade is conducted by troops from Germany, France and the USA, all led by an amusing marching band. A presidential address marks the commencement of the day's activities.

Ramadan

This 30-day fast in July is marked by devotional practices where women sing praise songs and read poems in their native tongue. The breaking of the fast begins with a sunset prayer after which people don't consume anything but affur food. Ramadan ends with the Feast of the Sacrifice, which is also celebrated with prayer, rituals, and abundant food.

Fest'Horn

Fest'Horn is a special celebration of music in mid-December. This regional event was created to bring global attention to music from the Horn of Africa, and is marked by performances from artists in different genres.

Christmas Day

Only a few Djiboutians are devout Christians, but Christmas is still widely observed on December 25. Christian churches are decorated with lights and candles and midnight mass is held, complete with choir singing.

*culled from www.iexplore.com