Festivals in Ghana

2023-06-28

To celebrate the festival, Ghanaians host a variety of events and performances to liven up the atmosphere. Festivals in Ghana can be divided into two categories according to their celebration purposes: one is the harvest festival, the main content is to lay out food to sacrifice to God, the purpose is to thank God for a good harvest; The other category is the festival of sacrifice, which aims to commemorate major historical events of the nation and remember the important ancestors and great people of the nation. Although the festivals of different ethnic groups have different characteristics, they have political, social, economic, historical, religious and even moral significance for the people of all ethnic groups who celebrate them.

Some festivals in Ghana celebrate important times of the year, such as the dry season or the time of the harvest before the start of the rainy season. The Homowo (a specific name for a festival in the local language) celebrated by the Ga-Atangbe is one such festival to commemorate the great struggle of the tribe against hunger. In addition, the Bakatue (a specific name for the festival in the local language), celebrated by Chief Elmina and his people, is also an important harvest festival. In addition, the Escape Festival (Hogbetsotso ,a specific name for a festival in the local language) is held to commemorate important events or key periods in the history of the life of the community. There are also other festivals to honor gods and leaders, such as Akwasidae (a specific designation for a festival in the local language) celebrated by the Ashantis to connect with their ancestors and spiritual revival.

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The Asantehene, Osei Tutu II celebrates Independence Day


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Girls performing the Abadza dance at the Escape Festival


(1)Homowo

The Harvest Festival is a harvest celebration that is celebrated by the chiefs and people of the Ga-Atangbe region every August. Legend has it that the former Canadians suffered a long period of famine, but eventually ushered in a bumper harvest. Therefore, the word "Homowo" in the Canadian language literally means "crying and crying with hunger". During this month-long festival, the main cultural activity of the Canadians is to make an elaborate dish (kpokpoi, a specific term for food in the local language) made from corn, which is first steamed, then mixed with palm oil, and served with palm nut soup.

During the festival, the chiefs of the Ga-Atangbey region and their fellow celebers beat drums, sing and dance in the streets, praying for peace and prosperity in the coming year, and they will sprinkle some exquisite dishes on the streets to remember the famine they have suffered.


 (2)Hogbetsotso

The Escape Festival is a festival celebrated in September by the Ewe people of the Walter region. Legend has it that the people of the region migrated from the Togolese Republic, fleeing on foot to their current place of residence to escape the rule of its tyrants. During the festival, the Ewe have a collective clean-up that includes cleaning villages, burning garbage, purifying themselves, and cleaning ancient stools. At the end of the festival, the Ewe people drumming, singing, dancing and rejoicing on the main roads, followed by a large gathering by the chief announcing the end of the festival. There is a joyous atmosphere throughout the festival, with the strongest moment being when the chief and his people celebrate together, the chief dressed in ornate costumes and sitting to receive the tributes from his people. In addition, it is also an important social festival to promote harmonious coexistence among the Ewi people, and it is a time for the Ewe people to resolve many personal grievances or family problems.


(3)Akwasidae

Akwasidae is an Ashanti festival, it is not an annual festival, but is celebrated every 6 weeks, the exact date of celebration is according to the Akan calendar (the Akan calendar is 9 months and 42 days for the year). During the festival, the entire kingdom of Ashanti shines with vitality and sparkle. Not only will you see King Ashanti in grand dress sitting in a palanquin to receive the respect of his people, but you will also be able to enjoy highly skilled drumming, dancing, singing, trumpet blowing and other performances.





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