Eyo Festival in Lagos: History, Meaning and Why Yoruba People Celebrate It
- The Eyo Festival, one of the most popular cultural festivals in Nigeria, has continued to make headlines over the years
- This detailed report explains the history of the Eyo Festival and its importance to the Yoruba people
- The cultural benefits and enduring relevance of the famous Eyo Festival are also explained in this article
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There are hundreds of traditions in different parts of the world, and people place importance on festivals that align with their values.
Just as there are festivals in the southern part of Nigeria, some festivals in the southwestern part of Nigeria are very popular and receive global recognition.
Source: Getty Images
History of Eyo Festival (Adamu Orisa Play)
One of these celebrations is the Eyo Festival. Some people call it the Adamu Orisa Play.
Research shows that the Eyo Festival is very important in the Yoruba community, and it originated in Lagos state around the 19th century. Many people believe that the essence of this festival is to honour the late kings or chiefs.
Findings reveal that while the history of the Eyo Festival in Lagos is traced to the 19th century, the festival is celebrated in honour of notable people in Yoruba culture. Masquerades are used as a means of honouring late kings or chiefs and ensuring a successful transition of power from one notable leader or chief to another.
The origin of the Eyo Festival can also be traced to the Oro Festival, which is sometimes celebrated in parts of Lagos state. It is from this festival that the Eyo Festival evolved.
While the Oro Festival is performed in secrecy and witnessed by only a few individuals, the Eyo Festival is performed in public and witnessed by everyone.
Reports show that the use of masquerades for the Eyo Festival was first witnessed in 1854 to welcome Queen Victoria of England to Lagos.
Source: Getty Images
Importance of the Eyo Festival in Lagos
Just as several other tribes and regions celebrate festivals for different reasons, the Eyo Festival is also highly significant. It is also performed to usher in a new king or Oba in Lagos state.
It is also said to be conducted as a means of cleansing the city and chasing away evil spirits that might bring about bad incidents or occurrences in the community.
In Yoruba culture, the Eyo Festival is said to represent ancestors who have returned to earth and serves as a way of remembering and honouring the dead.
Costumes used in Eyo Festival in Lagos
The individuals who perform in the Eyo Festival are called masquerades. These individuals wear white costumes of different forms, often with different or similar symbols.
This includes a white cap and a gown that covers the entire body, along with a see-through mask.
The Eyo dancers also wear an outfit called Adimu. This includes beads around the waist, gloves, trousers and more. The beads are believed to protect the dancers from evil spirits.
Impact of Eyo Festival in Lagos
Like the New Yam Festival, the Eyo Festival, celebrated in Lagos, has several benefits, one of which is promoting unity among people and encouraging tourism.
The Eyo festival helps bring people together and brings visitors to the city. People from different parts of Nigeria and the world travel to Lagos just to watch the celebration.
The festival also helps locals sell their art, crafts and beads to visitors. Most importantly, the Eyo Festival helps to preserve and promote Yoruba culture.
In a similar story, Legit.ng recently reported that 9-year-old Alimot Osunbunmi made her first appearance as the new Arugba at the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival.
During the procession, the Osun Chief Priest carried the sacred white calabash for her because it was too heavy. Many people said the young girl would be able to carry it herself when she gets older.
The story behind the New Yam Festival
Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that the New Yam Festival is one of the biggest traditional celebrations among Igbo people. The festival is held every year to thank God and the ancestors for a good yam harvest.
The report explained that yams are a very important crop in Igbo culture and are often called the "king of crops." Before anyone can eat the new yams, special prayers and traditional ceremonies must be performed. The celebration is usually filled with food, music, dancing, and family gatherings.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
