Arochukwu Masquerades and the Ikeji (Iri ji) Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

obikay (64)in Steem4Nigeria • last month

In many communities across Nigeria, masquerade are seen as symbols of tradition believed to represent ancestral spirits and used to uphold community values.

Overtime, masquerades parade have become a major feature of cultural ceremonies drawing large crowds with their vibrant costumes and symbolic dancing movements.

_{Arrival of Nikita Oku and other masquerades}

Ikeji Festival in Arochukwu Kingdom

In Abia state, Nigeria there is a popular festival in Arochukwu Kingdom called Ikeji (New yam) cultural Festival. This festival is as old as the kingdom itself. It's celebrated to indicate the end of the farming period and the dawn of a new season. The Arochukwu traditional council under the rulership of the Eze Aro (village ruler) are the one's who dictate the 17 days of the festival which is held yearly in September within the 19 villages in Aro Kingdom. The festival is one that nobody misses as the 19 villages showcases their cultural & masquerade displays.

Some Igbo states and how they celebrate the festival for eating new yams (iri ji).

STATES	MONTH OF IRI JI
Anambra	Celebrated in August. They call it "iri ji".
Ebonyi	Celebrated in August as well but the Ezza people of Ebonyi state celebrates it in July.
Enugu	They call it "Oriri Ani or Iri-ji". Celebrated Around July & November.

Also, the Arondizuogu people in Imo state, also celebrates new yam festival which runs from four to eight days.

Cultural Ethics and Observances

During the period of this festival, all sons and daughters of the land are expected to adhere to the ethics, customs and traditions of the land. As no burials or mourning will be entertained.

No form of violence, protest, disobedience will be tolerated. Any death within this period is considered as a bad omen.

It's a period dedicated to morality, thanksgiving, almsgiving, and entertainment.

Days of the Ikeji Aro festival:

Days	Events	Activities
01	Avo Okpo Na-aza Awada	The Ikeji kicks off on Avo market day, Cleaning of the Awada Aro at Ugwuakuma by the Okpo family in Agbagwu village.
02	Avo Mgbape Awada Aro	The Otusi clan come together for the opening ceremony of the Awada Aro.
03	Avo Ndulasa Nwaekpe	The Awakening of the gods of the land by the Otusi nine clans.
04	Nkwo Nku	On this day, women fetch firewood in readiness for the Ikeji festival.
05	Eke Agba Udu	Offering of sacrifices by the Umu Otusi Aro in celebration of their identity as the "Igbo bu Igbo".
06	Orie Awa day	A day set for the youths during this period.
07	Avo Awa	Expected day of arrival of Umu Aro in diaspora.
08	Nkwo Nzukoro	Because it's the last Nkwo market day,. It's a day for buying all that is needed for the Ikeji festival. After this day, all markets will close down. The night of this day, women don't step out, for the fear of seeing spirits.
09	Eke Odu	Washing & cleaning of kitchen utensils and others to be used during the festival by the women.
10	Orie Egbugbu	A sacred day marked by rituals, pouring of libations and eating of new yams with the ancestors.
11	Avo Osu	Eating of the "Osu" delicacies and cultural displays.
12	Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii	Ibom Isii warriors display their, wrestling skills, cultural and masquerade.
13	Eke Ekpe Aro	A day everyone shutdown in merriment as there are cultural dances, competition, as prizes are won too. On this day visitors are also invited to join in the celebrations.
14	Orie Ubi Le’ Avom	The festival is gradually coming to an end. All sacred items "Ovo" are returned.
15	Avo Ndula Nwaekpe	A closing ritual where the ancestary spirits return to Awada Aro to continue resting.
16	Nkwo Nwupu Mmayi na Ibom Isii	Rituals are perforned at the palace to commence farming, trading, markets reopen, marking the Ikeja Aro coming to an end.
17	Eke Nwupu Mmayi na Amuze	The Umu Otusi clans assemble at the palace & major shrines to pour final libations. Eze Aro officially ends the festival for the year.

_{People taking pictures with agbogo Ekpo}

Why Ikeji Festival is Special

One of the things I love about Ikeji festival is that it brings everyone together from all parts of the world, even visitors are welcomed. It's a time to communicate with our ancestors, reunite with old folks, reconcile, and discuss about other development projects. This festival features seminars about the Aro kingdom and it's cultures, paying homage to historical places, masquerade displays, traditional dance and many more.

_{Masquerade masks}

Arochukwu Kingdom still remains one of the ancient kingdoms in the Igbo land. It's customs and tradition are sacred and Ikeji is one of those celebrated festivals that brings them together.
The reason why we celebrate this festival is to thank Almighty God for life, blessings and having bountiful harvest.

_{Proudly Nwa Aro}