The Best Nigerian Festivals to Attend in 2023: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture

4 min readSep 26, 2023

Introduction
Argungu Fishing Festival
Ikeji Arondizuogu
Eyo Festival
Calabar Carnival
Ofala Festival
Essence fest
Afronation
Conclusion

Introduction

Nigeria, known for its vibrant culture and diverse traditions, hosts a plethora of festivals that attract tourists from around the world. These festivals, deeply rooted in history and tradition, offer a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of this West African nation. Here are some of the best Nigerian festivals to attend in 2023:

1. Argungu Fishing Festival

The Argungu Fishing Festival is an annual four-day event held in the town of Argungu in Kebbi State. This festival, which started as far back as 1934, marks the end of the centuries-old hostility between the Sokoto Caliphate and the Kebbi Kingdom. The festival is held on the Sokoto River around February or March and features thousands of fishermen competing to catch the largest fish.

2. Ikeji Arondizuogu

Ikeji Arondizuogu is a popular cultural festival in Imo State that brings the Igbo-speaking community around the world together. It is arguably the biggest cultural festival in Igboland and the largest gathering of masquerades in Africa. The festival is marked with colorful displays of different masquerades such as Ogionu, Mgbadike, Nwaaburuja, and Ozoebune 1. This festival is done around March or April to celebrate the New Year festival.

3. Eyo Festival

The Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisa Play, is a Yoruba festival unique to Lagos, Nigeria. In modern times, it is presented by the people of Lagos as a tourist event and, due to its history, is traditionally performed on Lagos Island.

4. Calabar Carnival

An event filled with music, dance, drama, and visual creativity is reflected in the design of floats, costumes, and make-up. Despite the fun and relaxed atmosphere around the carnival, a great deal of thought, creativity, and discipline go into the interpretation of the yearly themes.

5. Ofala Festival

The Ofala Festival is held by Igbo communities to honor their king, or Obi. The term ofala is derived from two Igbo words: ofo (authority) and ala (land). The festival is marked by colorful traditional dances, parades, and music.

6. Essence Fest

For the first time, Essence Fest—which has been celebrating African American culture in the United States for more than two decades—is devoting a day to Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry—the most prolific in Africa. "Nigeria Day” will be held on July 1, featuring movie screenings and panel discussions on topics such as “Creating and Promoting Globally Relatable Content" and “How to Partner with Nollywood,” organizers say.

7. Afronation

Produced by Live Nation, Event Horizon, Smade Entertainment, and Memories of Tomorrow, Afro Nation is a yearly three-day music festival. Obi Asika and Smade launched the festival in 2013 in collaboration with BBC 1 Xtra. Afro Nation Nigeria, which will take place between December 19 and 20, promises to be a remarkable celebration of a movement that has come to define popular music culture globally. Afro Nation Nigeria’s debut event will take place at the revered Tafawa Balewa Square, bringing together the diaspora in the birthplace of Afrobeats.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the several exciting festivals that are held in Nigeria. Everyone offers a distinctive experience that enables you to fully experience Nigerian culture. Don’t forget to visit Jollof.com/lifestyle for the most recent information and insights on these festivals before the celebrations start! Why wait? Plan your vacation to Nigeria right away!