Description
The New Yam Festival (commonly called Iwa Ji or Iri Ji among Igbo communities) marks the end of the yam-harvest season and the official beginning of consumption of the new yam crop.
In Enugu State, it is observed in many localities as both a cultural thanksgiving and a community-celebration of the staple yam crop.
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Things to Note
Here are few things to note about The Udi New Yam Festival:
- The festival involves the traditional ruler of the community blessing the first tubers of yam before the rest of the people may eat them.
- There are cultural dances, masquerades, communal feasting, and display of other farm produce and crafts — reinforcing the link between agriculture, culture and community.
- It serves as a moment of social unity — bringing together sons and daughters of the land (including those living away), and reaffirming cultural identity and tradition.