Experience Nigeria: 12 festivals every tourist should witness at least once

• Nigeria is a country full of life, culture and tradition, making it a fascinating destination for tourists
• One of the best ways to enjoy and understand Nigeria’s rich heritage is through its festivals
• Here are 12 Nigerian festivals every tourist should experience 

Nigeria is a vibrant country rich in culture and traditions, with over 250 ethnic groups celebrating unique festivals throughout the year. These events are more than just fun gatherings; they honour ancestors, showcase artistic talent, traditional outfits, native food, music, and dance, and promote community spirit, among other things. 

Nigerian festivals are exciting and enjoyable. They bring people together, strengthen community bonds, and help keep cultural identities alive. 

Attending these festivals is an unforgettable experience for tourists seeking adventure, connection, or a deeper understanding of Nigerian culture and tradition. 

TheRadar explores some of the most significant and captivating festivals across the nation that tourists should consider experiencing at least once in their lifetime. 

12 Nigerian festivals you should experience 

1. Argungu Fishing Festival (Kebbi State)

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The Argungu fishing festival is a spectacular four-day event held annually in Kebbi State, celebrating local fishing traditions, typically held between February and March. Participants with traditional nets compete to catch the largest fish in the Mata Fadan River, and the winner receives significant prizes. The festival also features traditional music, canoe racing, dance performances, and various cultural displays, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world​

2. Calabar Carnival (Cross River State)

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Often referred to as Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival takes place every December. It features colourful parades, live music, and vibrant costumes, showcasing the rich culture of Nigeria. The carnival celebrates the state's rich culture and history, drawing tourists from around the world. Visitors can enjoy various events, including music concerts, food fairs, and cultural exhibitions, all while experiencing the warmth of Calabar's hospitality. This month-long celebration has put Calabar on the map as a major tourism destination​

3. New Yam Festival (Eastern states)

Credit: Heartbeat of the East

The new yam festival is celebrated primarily by the Igbo people of Nigeria in the southeastern states. It marks the beginning of the yam harvest season, typically in August. It involves feasting on yams and other local dishes, dancing, and cultural performances. The festival symbolises gratitude to the gods for a bountiful harvest and is an occasion for families to come together, celebrate their culture, and honour their ancestors

4. Durbar Festival (Northern states)

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This traditional festival is celebrated in several northern states to honour the end of Ramadan. The Durbar Festival features grand horse parades, showcasing the region's equestrian culture. It is a colourful display of pageantry, where warriors and horsemen exhibit their skills while traditional music fills the air​. The Durbar festival is celebrated twice a year; at the end of Ramadan and 70 days after, on the Eid al-Adha day. 

5. Ojude Oba Festival (Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State)

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The Ojude Oba Festival is a vibrant celebration of Yoruba culture held annually in Ijebu-Ode. It features a parade of horse riders and cultural displays, paying homage to the traditional ruler, the Awujale of Ijebu. This festival is an excellent opportunity to witness the richness of Yoruba heritage​. 

6. Felabration (Lagos State)

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Felabration is an annual music festival in Lagos in honour of the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti. The festival features performances from various artists, discussions on social issues, and art exhibitions. It celebrates not only Fela's music but also his legacy as a voice for the people. 

7. Eyo Festival (Lagos State)

The Eyo Festival is a traditional Yoruba festival celebrated in Lagos to honour the life of an Oba, paying homage to his death and commemorating the coronation of a new Oba. This festival draws in people from home and abroad, and because it is a tourist attraction, it is now celebrated for the death of a noble or to welcome important dignitaries to the state. The Eyo masquerade wears white flowing clothes and a wide cap. It also has a long staff, which is used to dance. The masquerade parades through the streets while performing traditional dances. 

8. Ofala Festival (Anambra State)

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Celebrated in Onitsha, the Ofala Festival is a two-day event honouring the Obi of Onitsha. It features traditional music, dance, and displays of cultural heritage, drawing both locals and tourists​.

9. Osun-Osogbo Festival (Osun State)

Credit: The Guardian

The Osun Osogbo Festival is a sacred annual event dedicated to the goddess Osun, the river goddess of fertility and prosperity. Celebrated in Osogbo, Osun State, the festival includes rituals, cultural performances, and a grand procession to the sacred Osun River. It emphasises the importance of traditional beliefs and the relationship between the people and their deity. 

10. Leboku Festival (Cross River)

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Taking place in Cross River State, the Leboku Festival celebrates the harvest season with a week-long series of cultural events, including traditional dances and food​. 

11. Egungun Festival (South-Western states)

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The Egungun Festival is a traditional Yoruba festival held to honour the ancestors. Participants, who are usually from the family or lineage of masqueraders called Oje, dress in elaborate costumes and masks and perform dances and rituals to celebrate ancestors. The festival serves as a way to connect the living with their ancestors and is a vibrant expression of Yoruba culture.

12. Oro Festival  (South-Western states)

Credit: FIJ NG

The Oro Festival is an important cultural event among the Yoruba people, particularly in Lagos State. This festival honours the Oro deity, known for its association with justice and protection. During the festivities, men partake in various rituals and processions, while women and non-natives traditionally stay indoors. This celebration reinforces community bonds and cultural identity, making it a fascinating experience for those who participate 

It is important to note that women are not allowed to participate in this festival. Women are always warned to stay indoors as any woman caught outside may face grave consequences. 

Farooq Oreagba bags NCAC ambassadorial honour following display at Ojude Oba

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Farooq Oreagba, who was the cynosure of all eyes at the recent 2024 Ojude Oba Festival, was named an honorary ambassador of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for “his boundless energy and spirit” and for representing “all that is good about Nigeria.”

Director-General of the NCAC, Obi Asika, announced the honorary award on his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 9 and displayed the Certificate of Recognition awarded to Oreagaba.