Elsie UdohRegardless of your location in the world, culture remains an integral part of your roots as a Nigerian. Different ideas, beliefs, and norms have been formed over time, become a way of life, and are passed down through generations. One of the most important forms of culture that Nigerians hold in high esteem is festivals.
Regardless of your tribe, there’s a festival that is held in high esteem and celebrated by the indigenous people. These celebrations are usually a great way to showcase your “Nigerianness” and wear your identity proudly.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut what if you’re far away? Does that take away the fun of joining the festivals? Of course not. Nigerians are happy and lively people, and this is reflected in what we do and wherever we find ourselves. Some well-meaning Nigerians decided to take the festivals across borders and bring them to the diaspora. This article will explore 10 top Nigerian festivals abroad you cannot miss (not even for anything!) Let’s get started:
Top 10 Nigerian Festivals Abroad You Cannot Miss
Whether you want to engage in a traditional festival, a music festival, or something more related to cultures, there’s something for you abroad that we’ll explore together now:
1. Egungun Festival
Remember how we used to run from masquerades when we were younger? Well, not anymore. Now we are grabbing a seat to enjoy the amazing display. The Egungun festival is an important festival to the Yoruba community, but even though you’re not Yoruba, you can still join in the festival, which is usually held in May and features many highlights, such as masquerade displays, dances, and rituals to celebrate ancestral spirits. It is mostly celebrated in New York, USA, and London, UK, in the Diaspora.
Here’s how you can get involved in the festival:
- Join Yoruba forums to know the exact date and where the festival will be held around you.
- If you’re more involved in traditions, then feel free to join the procession, by engaging in singing or dancing.
- If not, then delight yourself with being an active observer by cheering the performers on.
- Enjoy a traditional Yoruba dish such as Amala and Ewedu with friends around.
- Step out in your best Yoruba attire.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Egungun masquerades, as they are a highlight of the festival, showcasing some of the most colourful costumes.
2. Igbo Cultural Day
If you were already feeling left out because you aren’t Yoruba and about to stop reading, then wait a minute. Remember how we said there’s something for everybody when it comes to festival celebrations in the Diaspora? Well, there is. The Igbo cultural day is a celebration of Igbo heritage and is done to unite people.
During this event, many Igbo in the diaspora come together to celebrate their rich traditions and keep their culture alive. There are usually cultural dances, music, and large feasts to mark the festival in cities like Chicago, USA, and London, UK. This year, the festival will be held on November 30 in New Zealand. You can stay up to date about the festival and find a location near you on Eventbrite.
How to get involved:
- Find out the location close to you on Igbo forums or Eventbrite.
- Join in the day’s events, which may include traditional Igbo dances, music, and storytelling.
- Again, you do not have to be Yoruba to partake in the festival; just throw on your best native attire and enjoy the festivities.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the meals; traditional Igbo dishes like pounded yam and egusi soup are often served.
3. Edo Festival and Awards
We are not done exploring cultural festivals celebrated abroad that you should partake in. Now, we are looking at the Edo Festivals and Awards, held annually in the UK. This festival is a combination of both a celebration of Edo’s cultural heritage as well as an event to honour outstanding Edo individuals.
You can expect a plethora of traditional Edo dances, musical performances by Edo artists, comedy shows, and the presentation of recognition awards to inspirational Edo figures. This event also allows you to meet personalities such as ministers, actors and musicians from the Edo State community. This year’s festival will be held at the Oasis Banqueting in Barking, London, from 16th to 17th November.
How to Get Involved:
- Purchase online tickets here
- Arrive early to secure a space where you can get the best view.
- Sync into the festival by appearing fully clad in an Edo traditional attire.
Pro Tip: Go with friends to have a memorable experience and purchase VIP tickets for the best row.
4. Yoruba Annual World Heritage Cultural Festival (YAWHCF)
This is celebrated to promote the Yoruba culture, values, norms, and traditions. YAWHCF aims to unite the Yorubas in the diaspora. The festival lasts a week but will be held only on December 19 in various countries (Brazil, France, Cuba, Canada, Ireland, UK, Trinidad, Tobago, Ghana, Mali, Congo, etc.) In Canada, it will be held at Metro Hall, Rotunda/Main Council Chambers, Downtown Toronto.
How to Get Involved:
- Register early.
- If you’re an artist or performer, you can contribute by showcasing your work.
Pro Tip: The festival features symposiums, which can help you know more about your roots and history, so don’t miss any part of it.
5. AfroFest
Away from traditional festivals, AfroFest is one of the largest African festivals, which features Nigerian music, dance, and food as well as other African cultures. The event draws crowds numbering thousands together in a space to enjoy the show. It is usually held annually around July in Toronto.
How to Get Involved:
- Set up a food stall during the festivals.
- Try the Nigerian dishes served by local vendors.
- Attend music performances by Nigerian artists.
- Explore the craft market for Nigerian-made fashion and art.
Pro Tip: AfroFest is free to attend, so make sure to invite friends and family to experience the diversity and richness of African culture.
6. Nigerian Festival UK
This is a day-long event held in the UK for Nigerians to showcase and celebrate their unique cultures. This celebration is done annually in June to bridge the cultural gaps amongst Nigerian African youths and adults who have not had the opportunity to learn the customs and traditions of their motherland due to being far away from home. Whether Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa, this festival allows you to flaunt your tribe and its rich cultures.
The festival features live music performances, cultural dances, arts and crafts stalls, food stalls, history, tourism, African travel stalls, and fashion shows. Kids are not left out too, as they have a corner where they can have their swell time. Expect performances from Nigerian and UK artists and other indigenous groups as well during the festival.
Read Also: Where To Find Authentic Nigerian Food Ingredients In The UK
How to Get Involved:
- Attend the festival dressed in traditional attire.
- Set up your own stall.
- Or explore the stalls available and try out all their offerings.
Pro Tip: This event is free and open to anyone, so come with as many friends and loved ones as possible.
7. A Taste of Nigeria—Atlanta
This is a fun festival held annually in Atlanta, USA, to celebrate Nigerian culture, food, music, fashion, and more. This year it will be held on November 2 at Savoy Events, 3495 West Hospital Avenue, Chamblee, GA 30341. The event is free for kids, while adults have to pay a fee to attend.
How to Get Involved:
- Attend with family.
- Arrive early and enjoy all the fun of the festival.
- Try the diverse range of Nigerian street food.
Pro Tip: Purchase tickets early to get them at $10 rather than $20 at the location.
8. AfroNation
This is a music festival held annually around June in Portugal that celebrates Afrobeats, with a large focus on Nigerian artists. The festival has gained international recognition as one of the premier platforms for Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, which is gaining popularity worldwide. Expect performances from top Nigerian musicians, such as Burna Boy and Wizkid, to add colour to the event.
How to Get Involved:
- Get tickets early, as this festival sells out fast.
- Attend the after-parties for more music and networking.
- Show off your Nigerian fashion at this globally recognised event.
9. Lagos Carnival Cultural Festival
This festival is celebrated in London, UK, and Houston, USA, around April. It showcases music, dance, and colourful parades inspired by the Brazilian heritage of Lagos Island. During this festival, there are usually performances by Afrobeats artists, cultural dancers, and street parades with amazing costumes.
How to get involved:
- Wear colourful attire, preferably a traditional Nigerian costume.
- Participate in parades.
- Attend music and dance performances.
- Bring your family.
10. New Yam Agricultural Festival
This is celebrated in London, UK; Houston, USA; and Toronto, Canada; and other various Nigerian communities in the diaspora around August and September to mark the end of a rainy season. It is popular among the Igbo community and features cultural dances, masquerades, and the traditional breaking of the yam to thank the gods and ancestors for a good harvest. Attendees wear traditional Igbo attire to honour their heritage during the festival, and there is usually an abundance of yam dishes, such as pounded yam, roasted yam, and yam porridge, available at the event with live performances of Igbo traditional music and dances.
How to Get Involved:
- Join local Igbo associations to participate or volunteer.
- Attend the event around your area.
- Bring homemade yam dishes.
- Join the performances.
Tips for Attending Nigerian Festivals Abroad
- Plan Ahead: Most Nigerian festivals abroad are annual events, so it’s crucial to plan ahead by securing tickets early and arranging your accommodation if needed.
- Wear traditional attire: Festivals are an opportunity to show off your cultural heritage, so embrace the fashion and show up in either a bold Ankara print or a flowing Agbada.
- Participate in cultural activities: Don’t just be a spectator; join in the dances, processions, or even cooking competitions.
- Network: Festivals provide a great chance to meet other Nigerians abroad. These connections can become long-term friendships or business opportunities.
- Bring the family: Nigerian festivals are typically family-friendly events, so bring your loved ones along.
Key Takeaways:
Nigerian festivals abroad help to keep our rich culture alive despite your distance. Here’s a recap of what we’ve highlighted in this article:
- Nigerian festivals serve as a bridge that connects you back to your homeland.
- Regardless of your tribe, there’s something for you to enjoy, so mark your calendars and plan ahead to attend one or more of these festivals with your family.
- Don’t just attend these festivals; actively participate in them to keep traditions alive, even though you’re far from home.
Remember to plan properly and take advantage of these events to grow your network, but don’t forget to immerse yourself in them and have a great time.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
