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Egungun Festival
The Yoruba festival of ancestral spirits — the ancestors return in sacred masked form.
June 1 – 7 days
Why It Matters
The Egungun Festival celebrates the Yoruba ancestral masquerade tradition. Egungun masqueraders embody the collective ancestral spirit — when they appear, the ancestors are literally present to bless and heal the community.
How It Is Observed
Masquerade performances in colorful layered costumes, drumming, chanting, processions, the Egungun blessing individuals and households, libation pouring, communal feasting.