The Eyo festival is an iconic Yoruba cultural celebration. Every year, the streets of Lagos, Nigeria, fill with colorfully costumed dancers parading to the beat of talking drums. For centuries, Eyo has been a pivotal ritual, honoring the dead and ushering in renewal.
You may know Eyo from its appearances in music videos, but there’s a rich history behind those masks. The Yoruba people have long viewed masquerades as a conduit between the physical and spiritual realms.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Yoruba culture, Eyo is a must-see. You’ll witness sacred rituals, hear hypnotic drumbeats, and gain insight into a festival that has captured imaginations for centuries. Eyo is more than a spectacle; it’s a living embodiment of Yoruba beliefs that connect the past, present, and future. Read on to learn more!
What does the Word “EYO” Mean?
The word “Eyo” refers to the costumed dancers, also referred to as masquerades, that come out during the Eyo festival. Eyo also means “costumes” in Yoruba, referring to the elaborate outfits worn by the masquerades. The white-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of deceased relatives who have joined the ancestors. They are also referred to as “Agogoro Eyo” or “Adamu Orisa Play.”
The Eyo festival is held to honor these spirits and give them a ceremonial welcome to the afterlife. Eyo masquerades dance, sing, and parade through the streets to pay homage to the dead. The Eyo festival promotes values of respect, remembrance, and reverence for one’s ancestors. It brings families and communities together to celebrate loved ones who have passed.
The Eyo festival is an important cultural tradition that helps preserve Yoruba heritage. The elaborate costumes, music, and dances are all part of Nigeria’s living history.
The Origins and History of the Eyo Festival
The Eyo festival has been an important part of Lagosian culture for centuries. Originating among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Eyo commemorates the life of a recently deceased king or notable leader.
The origins of this observance can be discovered in the inner workings of Lagos’ hidden societies. Traditionally, the Eyo celebration was celebrated to accompany the soul of a deceased Lagos King or Chief and to usher in a new king. According to history, Iperu is the source and originator of Eyo throughout Nigeria and around the world. In Iperu Akesan, there are five different branches/types of Iga Eyo.
Here are the Names of the families and Iga of Eyo each represents:
- Iga Pakerike, which is symbolized by the red cap of éyo
- Iga Agbonmagbe is also symbolized by the blue cap of éyo.
- Iga éyo Odoru
- Iga éyo Mogusen/Amororoo
- Iga éyo Fibigbuwa
The Iga éyo Pakeriké is the main source of éyo in Iperu, while the other four are the Iperu Royal houses.
History & Significance of Eyo Festival in Lagos State
History has taught us that Eyó was brought to Lagos to entertain an in-law, which has now become a more celebrated tradition in Lagos.
The first procession in Lagos took place on February 20, 1854, to honor the life of Oba Akintoye. Eyos (masquerades) commemorate the life of an Oba (king). The Eyo Festival commemorates his death. The ceremony is also held to honor the election of a new leader. Traditionally, it only happens at certain periods. Nowadays, particularly because it is such a traditional festival, it might be commemorated for the death of a significant person or to commemorate a special occurrence such as visits by heads of state.
The participants all pay homage to the reigning Oba of Lagos. The festival is held whenever the occasion and tradition need it, though it is most commonly held as part of the final funeral ceremonies of a highly respected Chief in the king’s court.
The Adimu Orisa
The Eyo-Adimu Orisa is the lone Eyo who does not belong to a group. The Adimu can only be robed by a very elderly and spiritually advanced male. It is the final Eyo to depart from the “agodo.” In terms of rank, y Adimu is superior to all other Eyo. Adimu is the only one who wears a black hat. On a predetermined Sunday, the Orișà Adimu will appear in public with his staff, indicating that the festival will take place the following Saturday. The remaining Eyo, namely Làbà (red hat), nikó (yellow), lgd (green), and Ageré (purple), will also be made public from Monday through Thursday. When the Eyo encounters humans, it greets them with the statement, “E sunrunkunrun, we ma jagbon die!” It means, “Don’t fear anything, have a taste of the palm tree,” and then taps the individual on the shoulders with the “opambata.” When he is given money, he will pray for the person and recite the praise song of his Iga. The phrase, “e sunrunkunrun, we ma jagbon die!” is spoken in the Ijebu dialect of Yoruba. The Eyo festival is usually held on a Saturday.
The Opa
The appearance of the Opa is a major ceremony that begins a week before Eyo celebration day. Each of the top five senior Eyo goes out in their hierarchical sequence to visit prominent folks and inform them about the upcoming event. Finally, the State Government is informed via an official visit to the Governor of Lagos State.
The Meaning and Significance of Eyo Festival Traditions
The Eyo festival is one of the most prominent cultural festivals in Lagos, Nigeria. It is a Yoruba festival that signifies the final burial rites of an Oba(king). The Eyo festival is a celebration of the life and times of departed Obas. The festival also signifies the transition of power from an Oba who has joined his ancestors to a new Oba.
The main feature of the Eyo festival is the appearance of Eyo masquerades. The Eyo masquerades are believed to be the spirits of the dead. The Eyo masquerades appear in elaborate costumes and dance throughout the festival. Eyo masquerades do not speak; they only dance and make symbolic gestures. The Eyo festival is a solemn festival; the Eyo masquerades are not expected to make any sound.
Eyo festival highlights the richness and diversity of the Nigerian culture to the international community. The Eyo masquerades are dressed in elaborate white costumes consisting of a robe, a hat, and a mask. The striking all-white ensemble is an iconic symbol of the Eyo festival. The masks, known as agogo ejire, represent different animals and characters.
The Eve of Eyo Festival Day
The Eve of Eyo Festival Day is filled with much excitement and anticipation. The white-clad Eyo masquerades assemble at different locations, getting ready for the grand parade the next day.
Tradition requires that the males gather at the ruling Oba’s Palace for a big party the night before the festivities commence. During the party, the Oba officially bestows his blessings. The Agodo Erection Rite is another important rite performed by the Eyo Laba group.
The Eyo Laba conclave is the second in command of the ‘Senior Five’ Eyo conclaves. After the party, the most senior of the conclaves, the Eyo Adimu, inspects the edifice. Other Eyo groups conduct their own inspections in a hierarchical order.
There is also the celebration of the ‘Gbale’ rites, which signify the ‘ sweeping away’ of evil and the ushering in of prosperity, peace, and harmony.
For the people of Lagos, the Eve of Eyo Festival Day marks the beginning of an important cultural and historical event like no other. The Eve serves to set the mood for the grand spectacle that will unfold at dawn the next day.
The Day of the Eyo Festival
On Eyo Day, traffic is forbidden on the primary avenue that runs through the city center from Tinubu Square to the end of Carter Bridge so that a procession can travel from Idumota to the Iga Idunganran palace. The Yoruba phrase “agogoro Eyo” for the white-clad Eyo masquerades that depict the spirits of the dead translates literally as “tall Eyo.”
According to history, each “Orisa of Eyo” is assigned traditional responsibilities that must be carried out in line with the directives of “Orisa Adimu,” the Supreme Head of all Orisas, including the Eyo Onilaba, also known as the Eyo Oba or Eyo Alakete Pupa.
All Eyos gather at 5 a.m. on the day of the Eyo festival to the sounds of the Gbedu and Koranga drums, two drums that are only beaten during the Eyo festival. All the Eyos in full regalia begins to move towards the Para, a raffia-matted tent erected somewhere in the Enu Owa area of Lagos Island. Enu Owa is a significant location on the island where any Oba is ceremonially crowned.
All Eyos proceed to the Oba’s Palace at Iga Idunganran to pay homage before venturing out into the streets of Lagos Island. The Eyos eventually meet at Tafawa Balewa Square, where thousands of people are already waiting to welcome them. While the festivities take place in a carnival-like setting, the Eyo masquerades perform dancing, singing, and weird acrobatic moves.
Following the event, the Eyo masquerades return to the Para, where the traditional festival’s inauguration was declared at dawn to demolish it. The Orisa Adimu directs the destruction of the Para.
The Eyo festival is an important cultural event that brings communities together to celebrate history, spirituality, and identity. The parade is a vibrant display of Nigerian traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The Cultural Importance of the Eyo Festival for the Yoruba People
The Eyo festival is culturally significant to the Yoruba people in many ways:
- It honors the dead and ancestors: Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead, and the festival is a way to respect and remember them.
- It showcases Yoruba history and traditions: The Eyo festival has been celebrated for centuries and depicts Yoruba cultural practices, values, and beliefs.
- It promotes community and togetherness: The Eyo festival brings people together to celebrate, strengthening social bonds and cultural identity.
- It encourages creativity: The elaborate Eyo costumes and performances demonstrate artistic skill, creativity, and craftsmanship.
- It attracts tourism: The spectacle of the Eyo festival draws many visitors and helps promote Yoruba culture to wider audiences.
- It reinforces cultural pride: Participating in and witnessing the Eyo festival helps Yoruba people feel a strong sense of cultural pride in their heritage.
- It passes on cultural knowledge to new generations: The Eyo festival educates youth about Yoruba history and traditions, helping to preserve cultural continuity.
How Eyo Festival Celebrations Have Evolved Over Time
The Eyo festival has evolved in many ways over time while still honoring its historical roots. Originally, Eyo was only held to honor the death of an Oba (king). Today, Eyo celebrations are held for other reasons as well, like honoring other Yoruba deities or marking special occasions. The festival is also now viewed as an important part of Lagos’ cultural heritage and identity.
Eyo attire and masks have become more decorative and elaborate. The all-white outfits and masks were originally very basic. Now, the outfits feature ornate embroidery, and the masks are works of art, with some taking months to create.
The role of women in Eyo has also expanded. Initially, the festival was only for men to participate in. Women now have their own society groups in the festival and also attend as spectators.
While some ancient traditions remain, Eyo has evolved to remain relevant. The festival continues to honor Yoruba culture while adapting to modern times. Eyo is a source of pride for Lagos and a way for new generations to connect with their cultural roots.
Prohibited items at the Festival
The Eyo festival has some prohibited items to be aware of, which include:
- Suku – Suku is a cornrowed hairstyle popular among the Yorubas; it has the hair converge at the middle, then shoot upward before tipping downward.
- Smoking
- Bicycles
- Sandals
- Okada motorcycle taxis
- Wearing the Eyo costume overnight or to cross a river or lagoon.
- Female with a head tie or headgear or any covering of the head
- A male with a cap of any kind
To fully immerse yourself in the cultural significance and experience the Eyo festival as intended, leave prohibited items at home and come with an open and respectful mind. The masquerades are known to beat people who use any of the prohibited items at sight with their staff.
What Does the Eyo Staff Symbolize?
The opa eyo staffs carried by the masquerades signify authority and the power of the spirits. Another narrative is that the traditional iconic staff of the masquerade, known as Opambata, was invented as part of the regalia for the purpose of warding off undesirable elements.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an inside look at the Eyo Festival and what makes it such an important part of Lagos history and culture. Next time you’re in Lagos during this celebration, get out there and experience it for yourself. Take in the energetic drumming, the elaborate costumes, and the dancing, and join in with the crowds.
Let yourself become immersed in the colorful traditions of this festival. The Eyo Festival is a vibrant, meaningful event that brings the community together to honor the past and celebrate the future.