Every year, thousands of followers of traditional religions across Nigeria converge at Osogbo, the Osun state capital, to join in one of the most popular festivals in West Africa— the Osun Osogbo International Festival. The festival is a five-day event of celebrations usually happens in August.
This Nigerian festival attracts tourists within and outside the country flowing the street of Osogbo to join the annual rites, with thousands escorting the maiden calabash bearer called “Arugba” to the shrine to show gratitude to the Osun River Goddess (Mermaid) who is being referred as goddess of light, love, sensuality, sexuality, life and fertility. She is said to be a beautiful mermaid with a tail that shines brightly as scales of a fish.
What you need to know about Osun Osogbo Mermaid Festival
1. Despite the influence of the Western culture and religion, the festival has maintained its originality, authenticity and acceptability among nations worldwide.
2. This religious tradition is celebrated in many countries outside Africa such as Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia and Cuba.
3. Osun Osogbo Mermaid Festival is not only important because of its religious approach, but also for keeping Yoruba’s tradition alive and its potential to attract tourists from all over the world.
4. During the days of celebrations, followers and tourists line behind the Arugba who lead them to the shrine and showing gratitude for the previous year’s blessings and praying for more blessings in the coming year.
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