Strange Festivals Unique To Nigerians

Nigeria is one country where you would stop seeing the ordinary when it comes to culture. There is no doubt that civilization has come to reside in Nigeria but that does not mean that tradition has lost its way in the country.

When it comes to festivals, there are a lot of strange ones that would blow the mind of a visitor, but to locals, they are completely normal. Here are some festivals that may look weird – or even strange to an outsider.
Sharo Cultural Festival
The Fulani tribe created this bizarre festival for their young men. Before a young man gets married and is considered ready for marriage, he is led out without a shirt to the middle of a ring where he would be flogged. Him and many other suitors will endure severe floggings with whips while people drum and cheer loudly. They are not expected to cry which is what makes it fascinating. Scars are left forever after this ordeal.
Eyo Festival
Before now, the Eyo Festival in Lagos was known to escort the soul of a dead chief or king to the next world and welcome the successor. During this festival, Lagos is painted white, as men are seen wearing white clothes in their thousands. Some of the masquerades are seen as tall as a house. Bicycles and shoes aren’t allowed, else you could get hit with their sticks.
Sango Festival
Sango is an ancient hero in Yorubaland – the god of thunder who breathes fire from his mouth. He is celebrated in the Sango Festival that has become legendary in Oyo State. Men and women are seen in strange attire, while Ifa Priests are seen in white regalia. A lot of drumming and dancing is involved, and people from outside the country attend this festival.
Olojo Festival
The Ooni of Ife separates himself from every human to communion with the city’s spirits before the Olojo festival. This is to help him become pure and chase away evil spirits from his palace. The Ooni is the one who would lead the procession to the Okemogun’s shrine with his people, where he is expected to take another oath at the foot of Oketage hill that would be conducted by a priest.
Osun Festival
When the raining season comes to an end in August, thousands of people are seen heading to Osun State for the Osun Festival held at the Oshogbo Sacred Forest. They would spend at least seven days in this forest worshipping the water goddess, Oshun. Barren women are believed to conceive after their processions inside this forest. This is one of the most recognized traditional festivals in Africa.