Yoruba Festivals and Celebrations
Well-known Yoruba festivals, from Òṣun-Òṣogbo to Egúngún, with greetings and vocabulary.
Festivals are a lively way to learn vocabulary and culture.
The word for festival
The word ọdún means both "festival" and "year". A festival greeting is Ẹ kú ọdún.
Òṣun-Òṣogbo festival
Held each year in Òṣogbo, this festival honours Òṣun, a river goddess in Yoruba tradition. People gather at the Òṣun river and its sacred grove, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Egúngún
Egúngún festivals honour ancestors. Masked performers wearing layered, colourful cloth represent the spirits of the ancestors, and dance in public ceremonies.
Ojude Oba
Ojude Oba is celebrated in Ìjẹ̀bú-Ode, a few days after the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Age groups, families and communities parade in rich clothing to honour the king, the Awùjalẹ̀.
Other celebrations
- Christmas and Easter, widely celebrated
- Eid, widely celebrated by Yoruba Muslims
Greetings
| Yoruba | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ẹ kú ọdún | greetings on the festival |
| Ẹ kú ọdún Kérésìmesì | Merry Christmas |
Clothing
Festivals are occasions for fine clothing, and families or groups often wear matching cloth, called aṣọ ẹbí.
Dates vary
Festival dates vary from year to year, and some follow local or religious calendars. Check local sources.
Tips
- Learn Ẹ kú ọdún.
- Learn the festival names.
- Use the dictionary for festival vocabulary.
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