You have just taken part in a local festival in your village. Write an article for publication in a cultural magazine describing the festival, its origin an...

The New Yam Festival of Ihiala: A Celebration of Gratitude

By a Correspondent

Every year, as the rains give way to the golden promise of harvest, my village of Ihiala comes alive with colour, music and thanksgiving. This is the season of the New Yam Festival, known to us as Iwa Ji, and I was privileged to take part in it during the last celebration.

The Origin of the Festival

The New Yam Festival is as old as the village itself. Our elders tell us that in the distant past, yam was the chief crop that stood between our people and hunger. Because it was believed that the earth goddess and the ancestors made the harvest possible, the community set aside a special day to thank them before anyone was allowed to eat the new yam. To eat the new crop before the festival was regarded as an insult to the gods and a sign of ingratitude. Thus the festival began as a solemn act of thanksgiving, and it has been handed down from generation to generation.

The Celebration

On the appointed day, the whole village gathered at the village square, dressed in bright wrappers, beads and feathered caps. The eldest man, holding a roasted yam, offered prayers to God and the ancestors and then tasted the yam first, signalling that everyone else could now eat. Immediately, drums thundered, masquerades danced, and young men wrestled to the cheers of the crowd. Women brought out pounded yam and rich soups, and there was more than enough for every visitor.

Its Importance to My People

The festival is far more than eating and dancing. It teaches gratitude, reminding us that no harvest comes by human strength alone. It also strengthens unity, for sons and daughters return from far cities to be with their kinsmen. Quarrels are settled, marriages are arranged, and the young are taught the customs of the land. In this way the festival preserves our culture and binds the community together.

The Role I Played

My own role was to lead the youth cultural dance. For weeks we had rehearsed under the moonlight. On the day, in our matching attire, we moved in perfect rhythm to the talking drum, and the applause of the elders filled me with pride. I also helped to welcome guests and serve refreshments.

The New Yam Festival is the heartbeat of my people. It is my hope that this cherished tradition will never fade, but will continue to unite and inspire generations yet unborn.