Akwasidae Festival

Akwasidae festival is celebrated to strengthen the bonds between the queens, chiefs, and the citizens of the Ashanti kingdom. During this special cultural festival, Manhyia Palace opens its doors to everyone - to experience the glitz and glamor usually hidden out of sight, away from the public eye.

The rites on this day relate to honoring personal and community ancestors. A gathering called Akom occurs in which drumming, dancing and singing are a normal celebration to honor Abosom (lesser gods in the Akan tradition) and Nsamanfo (spiritually cultivated ancestors). Food offerings include special items such as eto (mashed African yam), garnished with hard-boiled eggs. Every Ashanti celebrates this festival. For those Ashanti who do not observe the festival of Odwira, the Akwasidae fesival is very important to commemorate their ancestors.

During the procession, there is much fanfare, with horns, drums, cultural dancing, and colorfully decorated costumes. The chiefs are presented high above the procession on a palanquin lift, which adds to the spectacle of this grand celebration that takes place every six weeks.

Where: Ashanti Kingdom

When: Sunday, once every 6 weeks