Iwa Ji Festivals

The New Yam Festival is the most significant cultural festival unifying all the seven Igbo speaking states (Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers) of Nigeria. Though there might be differences in the mode of presentation across the States, it however collectively represents the successful harvest at the end of a farming season which is usually between early August and early September every year. The natives are culturally and spiritually not permitted to feast on the newly harvested Yam until after the celebration rites of the festival.

It is a prehistoric celebration among the Igbos and has been consistent in all the Igbo tribes. This festival portrays the significance of Yam (ji) as a staple food and an economic crop in the fiscal development of the Igbo tribes from prehistoric times to the present-day development of the region.

After the libation and prayers, the festival is characterised by dances, costumes, and masquerades displays.

Igbo Community Aberdeen (ICA) organises New Yam Festival yearly as a means to promote the cultural heritage of the Igbos among its members thereby showcasing our culture to Aberdeen and environs. The whole idea is to preserve our cultural inheritance and transfer them unto our young and growing population while being relevant and uniquely placed in the world’s cultural map.