6 Things To Know About Osun Osogbo Festival

We know that the Osun Festival is an annual festival in Osun State that brings thousands of tourists and worshippers to the dense forest where the shrine of the goddess, Oshun is located. However, most of us do not know a lot about this festival that is well respected in the Yorubaland. We have listed 6 facts that you may want to know about this festival.

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The Origin of Osun Osogbo Festival

It was over 700 years ago that the Osun Festival stated by a hunter called Olutimehin, who was one of the early settlers of the place. He had escaped famine and came here and while he was at the bank of the river, the water goddess, Oshun had appeared to him and asked him to go to Osogbo and reside. She promised to make their women to be fruitful if they would offer sacrifices yearly to her.

The Festival Activities

August is the month for the celebration of the goddess and it lasts for two weeks. It begins with the Iwopopo which is the cleaning of the city from evil. Three days after doing this cleaning, the Ina Olujumerindinlogun – a 16-point lamp which is over 600-year-old is lighted. Then comes the Iboriade, where all the crowns of the past kings or Ataojas are assembled for blessings by the sitting Ataoja of Osogbo, the Arugba, the Yeye Osun, and a committee of priestesses.

The Arugba

The Calabash carrier (Arugba) has become a major event during the festival. This carrier is a votary virgin which is a cultural representation of the Virgin Mary. This Calabash contains the sacrifice materials that would be used to appease and worship the goddess. She is also regarded as the goddess and the people cast their challenges on her as they make prayers while she led a procession to the river.

It is International Cultural Event

It is no longer a Nigerian affair because it is attended by people from places like Jamaica, Trinidad, Brazil, Cuba, the United States, Spain and Canada. Faithful travel from different parts of the world come here to witness and worship the goddess yearly.

The Sacrifice Is Just One Aspect

It is not all about the sacrifice but the celebration of the culture of the people. You can even see trade fair activities here by some companies.

Susanne Wenger Rebranded It

Susanne Wenger, an Austrian was the lady who rebranded this festival. She was the one who had renovated the abandoned shrines again and remodeled the gods in their sculpture and ceramics, that represented more than the 75 cultural gods in their artful representations.

Kick start your tour of the Osun Osogbo Festival today. Book rooms at any of the Hotels in Osun State now ahead of your trip.