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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.