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Yoruba Festivals: Olojo, Osun-Osogbo, Egungun, Sango and Eyo Explained

October 10, 2026

Nigerian cultural festival gathering, in the spirit of the Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife

Yoruba festivals bring together music, masquerades, praise poetry, food and pilgrimage, and they are among the best ways to experience Yoruba heritage first-hand. This guide covers the major festivals, what each one celebrates and where it takes place. Dates can change from year to year, so always confirm with organisers before travelling.

Olojo Festival (Ile-Ife)

Olojo is the annual festival of Ile-Ife, usually held around October. It is linked to Ògún and to the founding traditions of the city, and the Ooni of Ife takes the central ceremonial role. Read our coverage of Olojo Festival 2026.

Osun-Osogbo Festival

Held every August in Osogbo, this festival honours the river goddess Ọ̀ṣun and draws worshippers and visitors from around the world to the UNESCO-listed sacred grove. Explore the site in our guide to the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.

Egúngún Festival

Egúngún honours the ancestors. Masqueraders cloaked in layered, colourful fabric represent the spirits of the dead and bless the community. The timing and rules differ from town to town.

Sango Festival (Oyo)

The Sango festival honours Ṣàngó, the deity of thunder, who tradition links to the early Alaafin of Oyo. It features drumming, dance and praise chants. See how the Alaafin invited the diaspora in the World Sango Festival story.

Musician playing a drum at an outdoor cultural event, as heard at Yoruba festivals such as the World Sango Festival

Eyo Festival (Lagos)

Unique to Lagos Island, the Eyo festival features masquerades dressed in white. Learn more in our guide to the Eyo Festival.

Other Festivals to Know

Odún Ifá: the festival of Ifá, celebrating the divination tradition. See what is Ifá.
Gẹ̀lẹ̀dé: a masquerade honouring women’s spiritual power, covered in our Gelede guide.

Festivals in the Diaspora

Yoruba culture is celebrated abroad too. See Yoruba events in London this October and browse our Events category. For general background on a Yoruba festival, see Egúngún on Wikipedia. Understand the beliefs behind them in Yoruba religion explained.

Yoruba Festivals FAQs

What is the biggest Yoruba festival?

The Osun-Osogbo festival is among the best known internationally, while Olojo, Eyo and Sango are major regional festivals.

When is the Osun-Osogbo festival?

It is usually held in August each year in Osogbo.

What does Egúngún mean?

Egúngún refers to ancestral masquerades that represent the spirits of the dead.

Ààrẹ Ilẹ̀ Abínibí

I am Lónimí, the founder of Ilẹ̀ Abínibí, a platform dedicated to exploring, documenting and promoting the Abínibí culture, history, language and indigenous knowledge. My goal is to make our heritage easier to understand, preserve the wisdom of our ancestors and reconnect present and future generations with the traditions and identity that define us as a people. Through Ilẹ̀ Abínibí, I hope to keep our stories alive, encourage cultural discovery and ensure that our roots remain a meaningful part of our future.