Ideas for 2022 - Nigeria
Osun Osogbo Festival: The Annual Nigerian Event That Honors the Osun Goddess By Brunno Braga
E
very year, thousands of followers of traditional religions across Nigeria converge at the Osogbo, Osun state capital to join in one of the most popular festivals in West Africa— the Osun Osogbo International Festival. The five-day event of celebrations happens in August. This Nigerian festival attracts tourists within and outside the country swarming the street of Osogbo to join the annual rites, with thousands escorting the maiden calabash bearer to the shrine to show gratitude to the Osun goddess. Osun worship belongs to the Yoruba people, which are the predominant ethnic group in South Western Nigeria. They were believed to have originated from Ile-Ife. Their traditions are closely linked to nature. There is a strong belief in the supreme being God of all creations, called Olorun or Olodumare, and over 200 other gods, called Orisas. Many of these gods are represented by natural creations in the
environment. Sango, for example, is the god of thunder. Yemoja, the goddess of the sea, and Oya— one of Sango’s wives— is the goddess of the storm. This religious tradition is celebrated in many countries outside Africa such as Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Cuba. Despite the influence of the Western culture and religion, the festival has maintained its originality, authenticity and acceptability among nations worldwide. The celebration transcends various eras right from when it was only known to the Yoruba people of Nigeria down to present day when the cultural festival has now gained world acclaim and is even celebrated beyond the shores of Africa. During the days of celebrations, followers and tourists line behind the Arugba showing gratitude for the previous year’s blessings and praying for more blessings in the coming year. The group arrives at the Osun to a patiently waiting crowd
36 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | Nov 2021
