Nigerian Cultural Festivals and Events Calendar

Nigeria is a vibrant and diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own unique cultural heritage. Throughout the year, various states and communities celebrate colorful festivals and events that showcase their traditions, music, dance, food, and history. Below is a calendar highlighting some of the most prominent Nigerian cultural festivals and events by month.

January

New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) – Igbo People

Celebrated mainly in the southeastern states like Anambra, Imo, and Enugu, the New Yam Festival marks the end of the farming season and the beginning of the new harvest. Traditional rites include yam offerings to gods and ancestors, accompanied by music, dance, and feasting.

Argungu Fishing Festival – Kebbi State

A four-day cultural and fishing festival held in Argungu featuring a fishing competition in the river using traditional methods. The festival also includes cultural dances, canoe races, and agricultural exhibitions.

February

Calabar Carnival – Cross River State

Known as “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” the Calabar Carnival runs throughout December but culminates in a grand finale around February. It features colorful parades, masquerades, music, and dance competitions.

March

Eyo Festival – Lagos State

Held by the Lagos Island community, the Eyo Festival is a traditional Yoruba festival where participants wear white robes (Eyo). The festival honors departed Lagos kings or prominent persons.

April

Durbar Festival – Northern Nigeria (Kano, Katsina, Sokoto)

Celebrated during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha Muslim festivals, the Durbar Festival showcases horsemanship, cavalry parades, and traditional music. Emirs and chiefs lead horse riders in elaborate attire through the city.

May

Osun-Osogbo Festival – Osun State

This two-week annual festival is dedicated to the river goddess Osun. It includes traditional rites at the Osun Grove, a sacred forest, attracting pilgrims, tourists, and worshippers from across Nigeria and abroad.

June

Igbo Day

A cultural day observed by Igbo people nationwide featuring cultural displays, Igbo language promotions, traditional attire, and culinary celebrations.

July

Argungu Fishing Festival (if extended)

Sometimes falls into July due to scheduling and continues to attract cultural enthusiasts.

August

Sharo Festival – Fulani People

Celebrated mainly in Northern Nigeria, this festival marks the rite of passage for young Fulani men and features whipping contests demonstrating bravery and endurance.

September

New Yam Festival (Other Ethnic Groups)

Apart from the Igbo, some Yoruba and other ethnic groups also celebrate harvest festivals this month, including various local versions of thanksgiving for the yam harvest.

October

Eid Festivals (Eid al-Adha & Eid al-Fitr)

Celebrated by Nigerian Muslims nationwide, Eid festivals are marked with prayers, feasting, and social gatherings.

Imo Cultural Festival

This festival celebrates the heritage of the Imo people in the southeast with masquerades, folk dances, and cultural pageants.

November

Sango Festival – Oyo State

Celebrates Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. Includes rituals, drumming, dancing, and storytelling about Sango’s exploits.

Durbar Festival (Repeat)

Celebrated again around Eid time in Northern states.

December

Calabar Carnival (Main Festival)

The peak of the festival happens in December and features bands, street parades, beauty pageants, and cultural exhibitions that promote tourism and cultural unity.

Christmas Festivals

Christmas celebrations across Nigeria blend Christian traditions with local customs including church services, communal feasts, and cultural performances.

Other Notable Events

• FESTAC 77 Anniversary – Commemorates the Festival of Arts and Culture originally held in 1977.
• Gelede Festival – Yoruba tradition honoring women and ancestors, mainly in Ondo and Ekiti states.
• Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove Annual Pilgrimage
• Eid Festivals celebrated nationwide with unique regional cultural expressions.

Nigeria’s rich tapestry of cultural festivals provides a window into the country’s ethnic diversity and historical traditions. These events are not only celebrations but also key moments for preserving heritage, fostering unity, and promoting tourism.