Full Highlights of the Benin Igue Festival Celebration 2024 day three

Benin City, Edo State – The third day of the prestigious Benin Igue Festival 2024 was a vibrant display of cultural heritage, tradition, and royal grandeur. The annual festival, celebrated by the Benin people, honors their rich history, ancestral spirits, and the reigning Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II.

The day began with traditional rites performed at the royal palace, where high-ranking chiefs and palace officials gathered to pay homage to the Oba. Dressed in elaborate ceremonial regalia, the chiefs participated in age-old rituals aimed at cleansing the land, invoking blessings, and ensuring prosperity for the Benin Kingdom.

One of the highlights of the day was the colorful procession of traditional dancers, acrobats, and cultural troupes from various communities in the kingdom. The streets of Benin City came alive with rhythmic drumbeats, melodious chants, and intricate dance performances, drawing spectators from across Nigeria and beyond.

A notable event on Day Three was the Ugie-Erhoba ceremony, a key ritual during the Igue Festival. This sacred ceremony symbolizes the renewal of strength, wisdom, and divine guidance for the Oba. The Oba, adorned in majestic royal attire, performed symbolic rites, reaffirming his spiritual and traditional leadership over the Benin Kingdom.

In his address, Oba Ewuare II emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. He called on the people of Benin to remain united, uphold their traditions, and continue to contribute positively to the kingdom's growth.

The festival also featured a cultural exhibition showcasing artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical relics from the ancient Benin Empire. Tourists and dignitaries were given guided tours, offering them insight into the kingdom's storied past.

As the day drew to a close, an atmosphere of celebration filled the air, with attendees enjoying traditional cuisine, music, and dance late into the night. The third day of the Igue Festival not only highlighted the cultural richness of the Benin Kingdom but also reinforced its significance as a symbol of identity and unity for the people.

The festival continues to attract global attention, positioning Edo State as a key cultural tourism destination in Nigeria. The celebrations are set to continue with more ceremonies and cultural activities in the days ahead.