SEC-S16-W1 | Cultural traditions
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Hi there!
It is said that our culture shows who we are. Culture, the people's way of life has proven to be true.
Nigeria 🇳🇬 is my country and the culture of Nigeria is shaped by it's multiple ethnic groups. The country has over 50 languages and over 250 ethnic groups. The 3 largest ethnic groups are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. We have the Northern part where the Hausa reside and display their cultural activities, we have the Eastern part where the Igbo reside and also display their cultural activities while in the Southern part, the Yoruba reside and display their cultural activities.
Food is an important part of Nigerian life. We have various foods that depict a culture in Nigeria. Music and dance are integral to Nigerian culture of which each ethnic group has it's own specialty.
Let me tell you about a cultural tradition in my home town in Nigeria. Ikeji (yam festival).
Ikeji (yam festival)
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Arochukwu an ancient kingdom found in the southeastern part of Nigeria is a home full of rich cultural heritage. It is a place where traditions meet modernization and a place where the echoes of the past breathes in the present. One event that drives the essence of Arochukwu culture and also serves as a tool for tourism is the Ikeji Festival.
The Ikeji festival is not just an ordinary festival but is seen as a spectacle that depict the heart of Arochukwu's identity over the years. This festival is held annually where the customs, traditions and beliefs of Aro people are showcase. It's a magnetic force that draws tourists and travelers from far and wide.
A look into the Ikeji Festival
Ikeji festival takes place in the months of September and October depending on the Aro lunar calendar. This period is seen as the end of farming season and a period of harvest where community gather to give thanks for a bountiful harvest.
 a screenshot from google |  a screenshot from google |
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The festival lasts for seventeen days and each day carries a load of ceremonies, rituals, and other cultural activities. One of the most iconic part of this festival is the colorful procession that flys through the town's street giving it all a beautiful touch.
Participants are seen in vibrant attire, colorful masks, traditional regalia dance, and sing round the place. The beating of drums and the melodic tunes from traditional instruments fill the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is so hard to resist.
The Ikeji festival features a wide range of cultural activities like; traditional wrestling contest, masquerade display and age-grade ceremonies. The festival serves a cultural exchange promoting appreciation, love and understanding.
The Tourism impact of Ikeji Festival
The Ikeji festival has a great impact on the tourism part of Arochukwu. It is seen as a magnet that draws both the international tourist and domestic tourist into the heart of this rich town.
Do you want to know about the economic benefits where local artisan and vendors get to showcase and sell their crafts made from beautiful woven fabrics and sculptures. Arochukwu's culinary spicy local dishes are savour by visitors because of it's cultural flavors.
 a screenshot from google |  a screenshot from google |
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Furthermore, the Ikeji festival has led to the growth of tourism-related infrastructure in Arochukwu. If you want to see the natural beauty of Arochukwu, then you have to attend the Ikeji festival because there, it shines and portrays an undying beauty.
Tourists during this time explore the town's rich landscapes, waterfalls, rivers, providing opportunities for eco-tourism. While the Ikeji festival promotes economic growth and tourism, it also preserve the cultural heritage of Arochukwu. Moreover, the festival foster unity and togetherness in the community and imbibe in people a sense of belonging.
Ikeji festival is a time when Arochukwu residents regardless of their locations come to together to share in one identity, culture and tradition. It reinforce the unity and bonds that binds Aro people together.
My town festival (Ikeji festival) shows us example of how cultural activities can be a powerful tool for economic and tourism development. Cultures that are well embraced not only show the richness of that culture but also bring economic opportunities and improvement to the society.
The Ikeji festival has proven that when tourism and traditions are merge hand in hand, the outcome is something worth celebrating...
There are more cultures to talk about, especially the marriage in Arochuckwu. There marriage culture is breathtaking, but that would be a story for another time.
Hola amiga me encanta conocer las tradiciones Culturales de tu país,el festival de la cosecha me parece maravilloso al igual que su gastronomía.
Suerte en el concurso amiga 🤗
My tweet
https://twitter.com/ninapenda2023/status/1763201810993385508?t=3f_Aw_Z3h_hA2XZW08GkCA&s=19
TEAM 1
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted through steemcurator04. We support quality posts, good comments anywhere, and any tags.@ninapenda Wow your vivid portrayal of the Ikeji Festival in Arochukwu is captivating! It's evident how the festival seamlessly weaves tradition vibrant culture and economic growth. The blend of colorful processions cultural activities and the impact on local artisans truly showcases the richness of Arochukwu's heritage. Wishing you the best of luck in the contest
Upvoted. Thank You for sending some of your rewards to @null. It will make Steem stronger.
Our festival is our pride and heritage. This is an event that usually promotes unity, tourism and as well coexistence. Thanks for the mention and success.
Thank you Sir.
happy to get to know one of the extraordinary traditions of the Ikeji Festival from Nigeria.
It's really cool that the Ikeji Festival showcases various cultural activities for 17 days, and what's even better is that it can bring economic opportunities and progress to the community.
good luck for the contest.
Hola amiga..he podido conocer mediante tu post algunas tradiciones de tu país, por lo que comentas me gustó la primera, el festival del ñame incentiva el turismo que es muy importante en los países.
Saludos 🤗
Hello @ninapenda, I hope you are doing well.
You have shared cultural tradition of your country Nigeria which is Ikeji festival celebrated in Arochukwu. You have described the Ikeji festival really well with images especially the colorful procession and the various cultural activities that take place during the seventeen days of celebration.
Its good that such festivals impace positively on the tourism and economy of your country. And how you guys are celebrating it and preserving for future generation is wonderful.
Thank you for sharing your city's cultural tradition. I learned a little more about your country. Stay Blessed :)