Answered by Prince Joshua from Umuahia, Nigeria 1153 days ago

Because of the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself over the centuries in the field of arts. Nigerian versatility in art is so great that it is generally felt that all African nations should view Nigeria as the principal trustee of the most durable fruits of black artistic genius. It is not precisely known when the first works of Nigerian art reached the outside world, but in 1897, following a British punitive expedition to Benin, over 2,000 Benin bronzes and ivories were shipped to England and later dispersed all over Europe and America.
The oldest sculptures found in Nigeria were from the Southern Zaria and Benue areas of central Nigeria. They consist of terracotta figures and figurines made by a people who achieved a high degree of cultural sophistication. These sculptures, together with other cultural elements, have been named the Nok Culture. Evidence shows the Nok people had knowledge of iron smelting and adorned themselves with tin and stone beads, earrings, noserings and bracelets. The Nok Culture is dated between 500 B.C. and 200 A.D. The next known phase of Nigerian cultural evolution was Igbo Ukwu bronze casting. Found in the small village of Igbo-Ukwu, near Awka, the casts date from the 9th Century A.D. They first came to light in 1938 and consist of staff heads, crowns, breastplates, pendants, ornaments, anklets, wristlets and chains.About the same time the Igbo-Ukwu people were casting bronze, the ancient Ife people were also producing works in bronze, copper, and terracotta. In the first quarter of this Century, Ife works caused a great stir among world art critics and historians who were unaccustomed to such naturalism in African art. The best known Nigerian artworks are the Benin Antiquities. Legend recounts how the Benin people learned the art of bronze casting from Ile-Jfe around 1400 A.D. Oba Ogunta, the sixth King of Benin, is credited with having encouraged this art in Benin.
Nigeria's cultural heritage is woven from threads of history and diversity, legend and conquest. Tourists visiting the country will gain insights to a glorious past as well as a promising future, set amid the natural beauty of this diverse country. From rain forests in the south, broad savanna woodlands in the center to a semi-desert region in the north, Nigeria offers a remarkable range of physical beauty in her land and hospitality of her people, ready to be enjoyed by the tourist fortunate enough to choose this land of ancient empires as their travel destination.
Nigeria is a vast country with a population of about 120 people covering about 923,768 sq.km of landmass, located wholly within the tropics. The country aptly described as the 'Giant of Africa' is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition. The richness and diversity of the Nigeria culture is a manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that inhabit the land for ages.

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Answered by Larrie Damilola Olarewaju from Suru Lere, Nigeria 1150 days ago

EYO Festival (once in 4 years) or when a respected chief/king dies

Eyo Festival is unique to Lagos area. The festival is so rampant with people that the highway in the heart of the city (from the end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic to allow the procession from Idumoto to Iga Indunganran. Here all the poeple pay their respects to the Oba (King) of Lagos. This festival takes place whenever occassion and tradition demand, but noramlly it is held as the final burial rights for a highly regarded chief.




Sharo/Shadi Festival

This is a festival brought by the complex Jaful Farani who are thought very highly of. Sharo or Shadi means flogging. It starts where by an unmarried man is placed in a ring escorted by beautiful girls. A challenger must then apporach him. The party then erupts into drumming and singing. After it has quietened down a little the challenger must whip (flog) the other man. If the other man whinces in pain he is branded a coward.




Osun Festival {Annually}

Named by the wife of Sango who was the god of thunder and former King of Oyo. Widely worshipped in Yorubaland, especially near the River Osun. The water in this river is supposed to have powerful fertility properties for women. Her most important sanctuaries are in Oshogbo, which is contracted from 'Oso Igbo', or spirit of the forest, centered around a palace shrine where the chief priest performs rites and rituals.



Durbar (Held on 1 or 2 Sallah days) Eid-el-Fitri and Kabir


This festival dates back to when people used horses to get around in the Emirate (state) in the North. Back years ago each town, district and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defence of the Emirate. A military parade (or Durbar) is held once or twice a year. During the parade regiments would showcase their horsemanship, readiness for war and loyalty to the Emirate.

The beginning of the festival starts with each group of horsemen racing across the quare at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They pass a few feet away from the Emir, stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords.

The last of the riders are the Emir's household and regimental guards (the Dogari) and are the most fierce. After the celebrations, the Emir and his chiefs retire to the palace and the enjoyment of the occassion reigns. Intense drumming, dancing and singing continue through the night, with small bands of Fulanis performing Shadi.



Argungu Fishing Festival {Between Feb. and March annually}

This colourful annual festival is set in Arugungu, a riverside townin Kebbit State, 65 miles from Sokoto. This festival was originated in August 1934 when the late Sultan Dan Mu'azu made an historic visit and is a popular tourist attraction. In tribute, a big fishing festival was organised. Since then, it has become a yearly event held between February and March.

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Answered by nanman tongkam from Suru Lere, Nigeria 1127 days ago

the eyo festival in lagos is coming up on the 25th of april at the tafawa balewa square.

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Answered by nanman tongkam from Suru Lere, Nigeria 1126 days ago

osun festival in osun state comes up in august

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Answered by nneka egondu ibekwe from Enugu, Nigeria 726 days ago

The new yam festival occurs in Nigeria (east) in august when the new yams are harvested.,i do not know much about festivals in lagos but you could try wikipedia or google search

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