FESTIVALS IN YORUBA LAND
OSUN FESTIVAL
The festival celebrated in the month of August is a two-week programme which celebrates the Osun deity believed to dish out blessings to its worshippers at every festival. The Osun has a sacred grove which has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a world heritage site. The festival commences with the cleansing of Osogbo town followed by the lighting of the 500-year-old lamp known as Ina Olojumerindinlogun (the 16-point lamp). Thereafter, the crowns of past rulers of Osogbo, Ataoja would be assembled. There is also the Arugba (the calabash carrier), who must be a young maiden. The Osun is believed to have powers to solve many problems.
EYO FESTIVAL
The Eyo Masquerades are said to represent the spirit of the departed and those who participate pay homage to the King of Lagos. Eyo Festival is native to the commercial city of Lagos, particularly, Lagos Island. From a traditional event held as part of burial rites to accompany the soul of departed Lagos kings in times past, Eyo Festival has developed into a tourist event that attracts thousands of tourists from around the world who come to see costumed dancers or masquerades called ‘Eyo’, adorned in white attires and who perform during the festival.