Ibegwu Festival

The Ibegwu festival is a traditional and famous festival celebrated by the Igala people of Kogi State in Nigeria's north central region. The festival takes place every year in March and April. It is one of Nigeria's most anticipated events, including many traditional African exhibitions.

Ibegwu festival is only for the purpose of appeasing the deceased (ancestors) for their kindness and care. It is a holiday in which every household visits their ancestors' or forefathers' graves and appeases them with the blood of a goat and a cock, as well as the spilling of a locally manufactured drink known as Oburukutu on the spot where their ancestors are buried.

This is conducted to please the ancestors, who will cleanse the village of all filth and offer peace, blessings, and protection from sickness and disease.

During the festival, it is performed by a large number of animals, and masquerades are paraded in practically every section of the territory. There's also a part dedicated to Igala traditional dance, known as (Ogba), as well as music.

Location: Kogi, Nigeria

Date: March or April