[Culture Thursday] The Eyo Festival
The Eyo Festival: Behind the White Robes of Lagos’ Most Iconic Spectacle
It is a sight to behold: the streets of Lagos Island, typically bustling with commerce and traffic, transformed into a flowing river of white. Thousands of figures, draped from head to toe in immaculate white robes (`agbada`) and crowned with wide-brimmed hats (`akete`), dance through the city, their staffs (`opambata`) held high. This is the Eyo Festival, arguably the most iconic and visually stunning cultural spectacle in Lagos.
But beyond the breathtaking pageantry lies a deep and revered tradition, a masquerade with rich historical and spiritual significance. So, what is the story behind the white robes?
A Royal Farewell
At its core, the Eyo Festival, also known as the Adamu Orisha Play, is a unique Yoruba funeral rite. It is traditionally staged as a final farewell to a highly respected Lagos chief or an Oba who has passed away. In more modern times, it may also be held to honor visiting dignitaries or to commemorate significant events, but its roots are firmly planted in the passage of life and death. The festival is believed to purify the city and usher in an era of prosperity.
The Identity of the Eyo
Each Eyo masquerade represents a spirit, or “orisha,” returning to the world to cleanse it. The iconic white robe symbolizes purity and the celestial nature of these spirits. While they may all look similar at first glance, the Eyo are divided into different groups, or “confraternities,” distinguished by the color of their hats.
The five main groups are:
Eyo Adimu: Recognized by a black, broad-rimmed hat, this is the senior Eyo group, and the Adimu staff is the symbol of its authority.
Eyo Laba: Distinguished by a red hat, this group is the second in command.
Eyo Oniko: This group wears a yellow hat and is known for its role as the “keeper of the mat” and for its energetic performance.
Eyo Ologede: The Ologede wears a green hat.
Eyo Angere: This group wears a purple hat and is also known for its vibrant display.
The Procession and Rituals
On the day of the festival, the Eyo emerge from the Iga (palace) of a ruling house and proceed through the streets of Isale Eko. They dance, chant, and greet onlookers with blessings, lightly tapping them with their staffs as a sign of benediction. The festival is a vibrant, moving piece of street theater, a sacred procession that temporarily reclaims the city for tradition.
The Eyo Festival is more than just a parade. It is a living, breathing connection to the ancestral history of Lagos, a powerful display of Yoruba cosmology, and a testament to the enduring cultural richness of the city.
For Advertisements, Song Uploads, Interview, Biography, Music Promotions and Article Publication please Call or Whatsapp 08161430621.
Want to Get Featured?
– Showcase your event!
– Highlight your venue!
– Get your music video featured!
– Promote your brand with an advert!
– Be our Picture Pick of the Week!
– Make your song the Song of the Week!
Call or WhatsApp: 08161430621.