Thrilling Moments of Nigeria with Arik Air

Nigeria is a land where many ethnic groups of people lived for thousands of years. Most of these groups have been living here before any major religions arrived in the region. The indigenous religions have hundreds of festivals which are celebrated locally and collectively. There are a number of occasions for masquerades, dancing and music. The local festivals cover an enormous range of events like harvest, betrothal, investing of a new chief and funerals.
The Muslims in Nigeria usually celebrate the three major festivals of Islamic calendar namely Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha and Eid ul Maulud. The most famous of these is the Eid ul Fitr marking the end of holy month of Ramadan (Fasting). The Durbar festival which is usually celebrated in the northern areas of Nigeria is a festival when the local chiefs and novelties pay their respects to the Emir of the state. Emir is the king of the emirate (state). Hundreds and thousands of horsemen dressed in colorful clothes and elaborately decorated horses display their horsemen ship. The festival begins with each group racing towards the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They stop in front of the Emir and salute him with raised swords. This marks the importance of Emir and pledges loyalty to the Emir. The Christian calendar festivals of easter, Christmas etc are also celebrated.
Singing and Dancing is a must part of the life style of Nigerians. There are hundreds of festivals held in different parts of Nigeria among different ethnic groups. In these festivals thousands of people gather around to celebrate the occasion. The masquerade or Mmanwu festival is held in Enugu state and celebrated by the Igbo people honoring the dead ancestors. Thousands of men and women wearing masks are seen singing and dancing to different beats of drums and other instruments. This festival attracts hundreds of thousands of Nigerians and foreigners to witness spectacular colors of the Igbo tradition.
The Osun-Osogbo festival is held at the end of the rainy season usually in august in the sacred forest near the Osogbo city of Osun state. It is celebrated to honor the river goddess Osun or Oshun. The festival is a week long and many ceremonies are held during this time which is used to strengthen the bond between the goddess and the people of Yoruba. The festival itself is a colorful and grand sight and draws tens of thousands of Yorubans from inland and from other parts of the world.