Egungun Festival
The Yoruba festival of ancestral spirits, the ancestors return in sacred masked form.
Egungun festivals have no single date. Each Yoruba town and lineage sets its own annual festival, and timing differs widely from place to place, with many held around the middle of the year.
When Is Egungun Festival?
Egungun festivals have no single date. Each Yoruba town and lineage sets its own annual festival, and timing differs widely from place to place, with many held around the middle of the year.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
The Egungun Festival celebrates the Yoruba ancestral masquerade tradition. Egungun masqueraders embody the collective ancestral spirit, when they appear, in Yoruba belief, the ancestors are 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.