Rivers State, a vibrant region in Nigeria, is known for its deep cultural heritage and lively celebrations. Its mix of ethnic groups, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, and Kalabari, has produced a variety of festivals that draw locals and visitors alike.
These celebrations are more than just festivals—they are a testament to the region’s identity, passed down through generations.
Here are the top five festivals in Rivers State and the fascinating origins that make each one special.
1. The Owu-Aru-Sun Festival
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Held by the Kalabari people, the Owu-Aru-Sun Festival is one of the most revered and oldest celebrations in Rivers State. The festival is a significant cultural event that happens once every seven years, making it a rare spectacle that draws people from all over Nigeria.
The Owu-Aru-Sun Festival celebrates the valour of Kalabari ancestors who defended their community. This reverence for ancestral spirits is not only a way of honouring past heroes but also of connecting younger generations to the spirit of their forebears.
The Owu-Aru-Sun Festival’s rituals include re-enactments of historical battles, where participants wear traditional regalia that reflect their ancestors’ ranks and roles.
Elaborate masks, dances, and ceremonial marches bring to life the bravery of those who once fought for Kalabari’s survival.
As the festival progresses, stories of victory, valour, and community triumph are retold through song and dance, creating a space for storytelling and ancestral reverence.
For visitors, the experience is as immersive as it is enlightening, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Kalabari people.
2. The Ogba Festival
Photo Souce: Facebook/The-Egwu-Ogba-Festival.
The Ogba Festival is celebrated by the Ogba people and is steeped in history. Initially, this festival was created to honour the seasons and ensure agricultural success, marking it as a farming-based celebration.
For centuries, it has symbolised gratitude for a successful harvest and has helped instil a sense of unity among the Ogba community.
Over time, this festival has come to represent the resilience and cultural identity of the Ogba people, reminding them of the power of their ancestral heritage.
Traditional dances, masquerades, and processions mark the Ogba Festival. The masquerade performances are a unique aspect of the festival, each masquerade telling a different story related to Ogba’s history and myths.
Drumming and chanting are essential elements, believed to call upon spirits of fertility and blessings. The community gathers to celebrate with rituals that include pouring libations and offering sacrifices, which are believed to encourage prosperity for the land and the people.
For visitors, the festival is a visual feast with vibrant colours, dynamic rhythms, and a profound connection to the land.
3. The Sekiapu Ogba Fishing and Cultural Festival
The Sekiapu Ogba Fishing and Cultural Festival is a celebration of the rivers and waters that are central to the livelihood of many communities in Rivers State.
This festival is particularly popular among fishing communities, who see it as a way to honour the waters for providing sustenance.
The origins of this festival lie in the traditional appreciation of nature’s bounty, where successful fishing seasons were celebrated as blessings from the spirits of the waters.
One of the festival’s main attractions is the fishing contest, where participants showcase their skills in catching the largest fish. The competition is intense and is followed by a grand feast featuring the day’s catch.
In addition to the fishing contest, boat races and displays of local fishing techniques add to the excitement. The festival also includes dancing, music, and an array of traditional foods, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy the flavours and sounds unique to Rivers State.
It’s a perfect event for tourists to experience the fishing culture up close and see how deeply connected the people of Rivers State are to the waters.
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4. The Ekpeye Cultural Festival
Photo Source: African Researchers Magazine.
The Ekpeye Cultural Festival, celebrated by the Ekpeye people, is one of the most colourful festivals in Rivers State. Rooted in a deep respect for the ancestors and spiritual beliefs, the festival serves as a medium for honouring those who came before.
Traditionally, this celebration was also a way to connect the Ekpeye people to their unique cultural practices, with each ritual telling stories of the clan’s past.
The Ekpeye Cultural Festival is known for its vibrant drumming, singing, and dance performances, where participants wear intricate masks and costumes. Each mask and dance has significance, often symbolising spirits, animals, or historical events.
Many of the dances are choreographed to teach values and moral lessons that are important to the Ekpeye people. Storytelling is a core component, with elders recounting tales that have been passed down through generations.
The festival is an experience for tourists who want to immerse themselves in Ekpeye’s colourful history and appreciate the rich heritage of Rivers State.
5. The Nwaotam Festival
Photo Source: Medium.
The Nwaotam Festival is celebrated by the Okrika people and is traditionally held in December. Marking the end of the year, this festival serves as a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
The Nwaotam spirit, believed to be a water spirit, is celebrated during this time, symbolising new beginnings. The Okrika people believe that the Nwaotam spirit visits annually to cleanse the community of any negative energy, allowing everyone to enter the new year with a fresh start.
The Nwaotam Festival’s main attraction is the Nwaotam masquerade, where the water spirit is represented through a masked figure who “visits” each household along the river.
The masquerade is a captivating sight as it moves from one waterfront community to another, accompanied by drummers and dancers who welcome the spirit.
The rhythmic drumming and chanting add an air of mysticism as people line the waterfront to witness the passing of the spirit. The Nwaotam Festival offers a powerful spiritual experience for both locals and visitors, allowing them to partake in a ritual of renewal and cultural identity.