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Igbo Cultural Support Network New Yam Festival 2014

The Igbo Cultural Support Network (ICSN) will celebrate its 11th Annual Iri-ji (New Yam) Festival, at the Oakington Manor Hall, in the London Borough of Brent. The event is a celebration of the most beautiful aspects of the rich Igbo heritage and culture.

The Iri-ji (New Yam) Festival is a time of thanksgiving to God for making the farm yields possible and praying for good yields next planting season.

It is one of the most significant festivals amongst the Igbo tribe in Nigeria and is celebrated in all corners of the globe. This year will mark the 11th edition of the event. About 600 people were attended the event in 2013.

Event Highlights

A variety of delicious African foods will be served – Rice, Yam, Meat and Fish dishes will be served.

Yam auctions, masquerades and cultural presentation to capture the essence of the festival

Traditional dance by Egwu Oganiru (ICSN Dance Troop)

Live music throughout the night by Kelechi Ify with his band, plus the DJ for the night playing the finest in Afrobeats, RnB, Funky House and Hip Hop.
Dress code: Guest are encouraged to dress in traditional attires

What Is IRI-JI About?
Yam is the most important food crop in Igboland. Evidence of this is borne by the cultural significance attached to Iri-ji in Igbo land.

The traditional Igbo society is mainly agrarian. Emphasis is placed on farming and the cultivation of sufficient food to last until the next food harvest. Special emphasis is placed on yam cultivation. The traditional Igbo man takes pride in showing off his yam barn neatly stacked with yam tubers from top to bottom. It signifies wealth and success.

In the days of old, a common question asked by a bride’s father when a young man signifies his intention to marry his daughter is “how big is your yam barn”? A big yam barn means the man is hardworking and can take care of his daughter.

The Iri-ji (new yam) festival was described by Odumegwu- Ojukwu (erstwhile Biafran Leader) as the “culmination of a work cycle and the beginning of another.” It is a time of thanksgiving to God for making the farm yields possible and praying for good yields next planting season.

The Iri-ji festival is celebrated at different times within the various Igbo communities, varying from August until October every year.

Date: Saturday 18th October 2014

Venue: Oakington Manor Hall, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley, Middlesex, HA9 6NF

Time: 4pm – 1am

To book a ticket, visit this link.

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