Tourist Guide to Mmanwu Festival

Have you heard about the Mmanwu Festival that is held in the eastern part of Nigeria? This festival is one of the festivals that have refused to die down despite the arrival and embrace of civilization in the country. We have listed some of the things that you may want to know about this festival.

The Festival Proper

It was that the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium that the first Mmanwu Festival was held. The year was 1986. What would be blow your mind are the numerous masquerades that participate in this festival. Mmanwu is what the Ibo people called masquerades. It is the celebration of the local masquerades that are believed to be re-incarnated spirits of their ancestors. It is believed that these spirits are invoked into the numerous masquerades.

The Masquerades

The masquerades are seen different sizes and shapes and each of them represents dead ancestors. The masquerades are seen gathered in the village square during the festival to entertain the people. It is only members who are initiated into this masquerade cult that may participate in wearing the mask. The mask is where the spirits of the dead are embedded. You cannot just come and wear the mask because it is sacred. You would open see people using charms to ensure that there is no evil unleash during the festival.

We have different types of this masquerades; Ojionu which is the water spirit masquerade, the Enyi Mmanwu- Elephant, Mmanwu Ube- Tortoise, Mmanwu Ugo-Eagle and the Ijele; the latter is the one that is most outstanding and dresses in a resplendent attire. The Ijele is the King of these masquarades.

Purpose of the Festival

The Mmanwu festival has become a vehicle that drives unity in the eastern part of the country by bringing together thousands of people to witness the festival. It is also the time to honour the dead and blend secular and contemporary urban conditions. It also create an attraction for tourists who come to improve the economic situations of the people.

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