Festivals and Moments of Celebrations in Umuahia

Umuahia the heart of Abia State, with its rich culture and vibrant spirit, certainly holds onto warm memories of festive moments in its “old” days. Here are some glimpses into those celebrations:

New Yam Festival ( Iri Ji Ohuru ) :

This is a widely celebrated festival in many parts of Nigeria, including Umuahia. It is a harvest festival where the first yams of the season are offered to deities and ancestors in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

New Yam Festival (Iri Ji): This grand harvest celebration was a spectacle! Communities came together, offering thanks for the year’s bounty. Aromatic yam dishes like Pounded yam (Fufu), Pepper soup, and Okpa filled the air. Masquerades danced, musicians drummed, and the air was electric with revelry.

• Significance: The New Yam Festival, also known as “Iri Ji Ohuru” in Igbo, is a harvest festival that typically takes place between August and October. Yams are a staple crop in many Nigerian communities, and this festival marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season.
• Activities: During the New Yam Festival, communities come together to offer thanks to deities and ancestors for the successful harvest. Traditional rites, cultural performances, dances, and feasting are common activities. The new yams are often presented to the gods before they are consumed, symbolizing the importance of agriculture in the community.

Christmas and New Year Celebrations:

Like many parts of the world, Christmas and New Year are widely celebrated in Umuahia and throughout Nigeria. These celebrations often include church services, family gatherings  ( Nzuko Umunna and Umu Ada,  )feasts, and cultural events as well as Football and other games .

• Significance: Christmas and New Year celebrations are widely observed in Umuahia and across Nigeria, bringing together families and communities to celebrate the festive season.
• Activities: Activities during this period include attending church services, family gatherings, exchanging gifts, preparing special meals, and participating in various cultural and social events. It’s a time of joy, reflection, and the beginning of a new calendar year.

Christmas Feasts:

Christmas in Umuahia meant an explosion of flavors. Chicken stew, Jollof rice, pounded yam and Egusi soup graced tables, often prepared with firewood smoke adding a unique touch. Family gatherings buzzed with laughter and stories shared under twinkling lights.

Masquerades and Merriment:

Mmanwu Performances: Masquerades like the iconic Agwu and Mkporo held a special place in festive celebrations. Their colorful costumes, rhythmic dances, and cryptic pronouncements added a magical element to the festivities. Children chased them with excited shrieks, while adults watched with awe and respect.

Mmanwu

Umuaka Day: This homecoming event for Umuahia women living elsewhere brought the town alive. Vibrant wrappers, traditional dances, and communal storytelling painted a beautiful picture of cultural pride and solidarity.

Games and Gatherings:

Achi:This traditional Igbo game brought families and friends together under the moonlight. The clicking of stones and bursts of laughter filled the air as players strategized and cheered each other on.

Village Squares: The village square served as a hub for entertainment during festivities. Children squealed with delight as they played hopscotch and chased each other, while elders engaged in animated conversations and shared stories.

These are just a few snapshots of the festive joy that filled Umuahia in its “old” days. The warmth of communal celebration, the vibrancy of traditions, and the simple pleasures of shared experiences all come together to create a nostalgic tapestry of happiness.