In the heart of Anambra State, Nigeria, the ancient towns of Awka-Etiti and Oraukwu proudly showcase the Odunke festival, a centuries-old celebration. This vibrant tradition is a testament to the rich cultural diversity of Igboland.
A Carnival of Grand Proportions
Odunke festival is a spectacular carnival, showcasing material wealth, opulence and social status, seamlessly blending the arts of the community. Meanwhile, it differs from most Igbo festivals, lacking a fixed calendar date or season, and carrying no religious undertones.
A Celebration of Distinction
Organizers celebrate the festival separately for men and women, with a minimum of five years between celebrations for women and seven years for men. However, the decision to hold Odunke depends on prevailing economic and political conditions. Consequently, the festival’s timing remains flexible.
Prelude to the Festival
Months preceding the main event, the Eke market square resonates with the special Opi-Efi music, played on massive drums and long flutes. Those who dance to this melody must slaughter a cow or horse during the festival. Failure to do so results in ostracism, requiring purification sacrifices.
The Grand Celebration
On the designated day, participants exhibit cows and horses in Eke market, followed by a procession to the central market. Subsequently, the festivities include feasting, acrobatic dances, wrestling matches and masquerade displays. Furthermore, the number of cows slaughtered testifies to individual affluence.
A Show of Affluence
Delicious delicacies abound, including pounded cassava with bitter leaf (onugbu) soup, ugba with roasted yam especially (ji abana), ona with ncha, pounded yam with dry fish (azunku) soup, vegetable soup, ofe abuba, oke ofe, bead fruit (ukwa), melon skin (anyu) with yam and our famous rice with palm kernel soup (ofe Akwu). Meanwhile, the festival grounds become a hub of merriment, with friends and relations invited from afar.
A Fading Tradition
Regrettably, the last recorded Odunke for women was in 1955, leaving the fate of this cherished tradition uncertain.
In conclusion, the Odunke festival stands as a shining example of Igboland’s cultural richness. Efforts to preserve this heritage are crucial, ensuring the continuation of a celebration that embodies the essence of community and tradition.
Interesting
Thank you πβ€οΈ
Nice article
Thank you πβ€οΈ
Nice
Thank you πβ€οΈ
Very nice article
Thank you πβ€οΈ
Two reasons I believe this festival is fading.
1. Cultural or traditional abandonment.
2. Economic instability.
Youβre right π, thank you πβ€οΈ
Nice one.
Never heard of this
Now you have πβ€οΈ
You’re doing a great job in digging up these stories from decades ago. Nice ππΌ
Thank you! π₯°β€οΈ