Description
Afia-Olu is the annual New Yam Festival of Nnewi, Anambra State. It is a harvest thanksgiving festival held in honour of Ufiojiokwu (also spelled Ifejioku), the deity of land fertility.
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Things to Note
Here are few things to note about Nnewi Afia-Olu Festival:
- Usually in August, lasting four native days, named after the Igbo market days: Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo.
- Preparations begin many months ahead (about five months prior) with dance rehearsals, body dying, masquerade costume making etc.
- Iwaji (or “Iwa-Ji” / “scaling of yam”): first day ritual where the new yam is offered to gods, ancestors, and then the community. The Igwe (traditional ruler) plays a central role.
- Ikpa Nku – gathering of wood, used for roasting yam etc.
- Onuakuku – ritual marking the end of farming season: hoe and machete tools are set aside. Also old yams are eaten or discarded before the festival.
- Masquerade displays, cultural dances, performances by young people and traditional groups.
- Prayers and thanksgiving by the Igwe, elders & priests for a good harvest and protection.