Igue Festival in Nigeria
Annual royal festival of the Benin Kingdom
Quick Facts
Religious Holiday
Has spiritual and religious significance
Pre-Colonial Origin
Celebrated before colonial period
Multi-Day Celebration
Celebrated over 7 days in Nigeria
Holiday Type
Classification in Nigeria
Established
Officially instituted in Nigeria
Festival
Celebrated as a cultural festival
About Igue Festival
Annual royal festival of the Benin Kingdom
A traditional festival celebrated by the Edo people to honor their king, the Oba.
The Igue Festival, also known as King's Festival, is a sacred royal ceremony initiated in the 14th century during the reign of Oba Ewuare I (1440-1473). The festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and people, honors the memory of former Obas, and involves sacred rituals where the Oba must not be in the presence of non-natives. Originally linked to Oba Ewuare's marriage to his wife Ewere, the festival was later expanded by Oba Akenzua II to incorporate several other traditional celebrations.
Practical Information in Nigeria
Banks
Banks are closed
🏦 ClosedSchools
Educational institutions are closed
🏫 ClosedGovernment Offices
Government services unavailable
🏛️ ClosedHistorical Significance in Nigeria
The festival dates back to the 16th century, originally celebrating the end of Benin's war period.
Calendar Details
Calendar Systems
Types of Celebration
cultural
Traditional cultural celebrations
royal
Traditional royal celebrations
traditional
Traditional traditional celebrations
On this day in African history
Historical Timeline
Instituted in Nigeria
🇳🇬Holiday officially established in Nigeria
📅 EstablishedLast observed in Nigeria
🇳🇬Final celebration recorded in Nigeria
⏰ Last Observed