Honoring Chief Ifayemi Awopeju Bogunmbe at our annual Egungun Festival

Ancestral Spirits Honored: The Egungun festival is an annual masquerade that publicly honors ancestral spirits. It takes place during the dry season, typically from December through March1. Celebrated mainly among the Yoruba people in Southwestern Nigeria, it serves as a powerful reminder that the departed are still remembered and have a place in the land of the living.

Elaborate Masked Dances: The heart of the festival lies in a series of elaborate masked dances. These dances vary from town to town, each reflecting the unique ancestral history of the place. The masquerades wear intricate costumes, often adorned with vibrant fabrics, feathers, and beads. Their movements are both mesmerizing and symbolic, connecting the earthly realm with the spiritual world.

Transformation into Ancestral Spirits: During the Egungun festival, a hidden fellowship of people known as the Egungun adopts these masquerades. As they dance through the streets, they are believed to morph into ancestral spirits. Devotees enter an altered state of being for the duration of their masquerade, embodying the wisdom and energy of their forebears.

Whipping and Bravery: Flogging with saplings and canes is a common feature of Egungun celebrations. Young men compete to display bravery and strength, whipping their chests, legs, and arms. However, their faces remain off-limits. This physical display is both a tribute to the ancestors and a test of endurance.

Economic Boost and Community Bonds: The festival provides an economic boost to our towns and cities when it occurs. Urbanite tourists from Lagos and Abuja fill hotels, savor local food, and capture countless pictures on their phones. Beyond commerce, Egungun strengthens community bonds, bringing together Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists in shared celebration.