Nigeria is beyond Detty December: Building a Year-round festival tourism blueprint across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones

By Elizabeth Agbool

While “Detty December” has become synonymous with Nigeria’s tourism boom, we must recognize that Nigeria’s cultural wealth extends far beyond the festive season.

Our country is home to a multitude of festivals and cultural experiences that could form the backbone of a sustainable, year-round tourism industry. To unlock this potential, we must strategically develop and showcase festivals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Festivals Across the Geopolitical Zones

While I cannot speak for every single festival, I can confidently share insights about those I am fully aware of and may have personally attended.

Nigeria is a country of diverse cultures, and each of its six geopolitical zones offers unique festivals that can attract tourists throughout the year. Here’s how these festivals can be developed, packaged, and presented virtually to create a sustainable, year-round tourism model.

North West, North Central & North East Zones

The North West, North Central and North East zones boast some of the most culturally rich and visually captivating festivals in Nigeria, with the Durbar Festival standing out as the most mature and popular.

While every state in these regions hosts a variety of other festivals, many have not received the awareness and promotion they truly deserve. This underlines the untapped potential of these regions’ diverse cultural heritage.

The Durbar Festival, celebrated twice a year during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, is a grand display of royal heritage, showcasing the rich traditions of Northern Nigeria. The festival is renowned for its horse parades, where riders adorned in regal attire showcase their skill and grace, and for the vibrant traditional regalia worn by participants and spectators alike.

With strategic rebranding and planning, the Durbar Festival could be positioned as a year-round attraction. States in the North West , North Central and North East could host special editions or themed Durbars tied to significant historical events or cultural milestones, creating additional opportunities for domestic and international tourists to experience the grandeur of this festival.

South West Zone

The South West is a treasure trove of Yoruba culture, boasting iconic festivals that attract local and international tourists. Among these, the Eyo Festival in Lagos, the Ojude Oba Festival in Ogun State, and the Osun-Osogbo Festival in Osun State stand out.

• Eyo Festival (Lagos State): A historical celebration featuring white-robed masquerades parading through Lagos.
• Ojude Oba Festival (Ijebu Ode, Ogun State): Held during Eid al-Adha, this festival showcases grand horse parades, traditional attire, and cultural competitions.
• Osun-Osogbo Festival (Osun State): Recognized globally for its spiritual significance, this festival draws diaspora visitors.

South East Zone

The South East region of Nigeria is renowned for its rich Igbo traditions, with festivals that celebrate culture, heritage, and community. The Ofala Festival and the New Yam Festival are the most well-known, but every state in the zone hosts unique festivals deserving more awareness and development as tourism products.

• Ofala Festival (Anambra State): A royal festival that celebrates the Igbo monarchs’ annual re-emergence to the public, showcasing traditional music, dances, and regalia.
• New Yam Festival (All South East States): A major celebration of the harvest season across Igbo land, marked by feasting, dances, and masquerade displays.

South South Zone

The South South region of Nigeria is home to vibrant cultures and festivals, with the Calabar Carnival standing out as the most popular. This festival has become an internationally recognized event, drawing thousands of tourists each December. The state government has invested heavily in it, aiming to make it a global competitor to festivals like Brazil’s Carnival and Trinidad’s Carnival. With its elaborate floats, street parades, and lively performances, the Calabar Carnival is a powerful tool for tourism.

• Calabar Carnival (Cross River State): Known as Nigeria’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival offers a spectacular display of music, dance, and costume design. To maximize its impact, the carnival could be split into smaller, region-specific mini-carnivals throughout the year.

Monetizing Tourism: A Revenue Opportunity

To truly harness the potential of these festivals, it is essential for state tourism authorities to collaborate with professionals to develop and package these events as tourism products. Each state must actively participate in tourism product development, seek funding for strategic marketing campaigns, and create an enabling environment for guests.

READ ALSO: Kalu pledges support for initiatives to boost…

Furthermore, virtual tourism presents a valuable income opportunity. Festivals mentioned and others could be monetized through live-streaming, where remote viewers access exclusive cultural content for a fee. Partnerships with international travel agencies, cultural organizations, and online platforms could drive global visibility and access to these experiences.

Through virtual ticketing, international tourists who cannot physically attend these festivals can still experience the rich cultural offerings Nigeria has in abundance. Local businesses, from hospitality to crafts and souvenirs, can also benefit from online sales and increased visibility.

Nigeria’s tourism potential is not just seasonal; it’s year-round. By showcasing festivals across the country, from the north to the south, and making them accessible virtually, we create new opportunities for revenue, culture sharing, and global engagement. The road to sustainable tourism in Nigeria is clear, and it’s time we harness the power of technology and cultural innovation to unlock it.

Are we ready to make Nigeria a global tourism destination, 365 days a year? Let’s start by showcasing what we have to the world virtually and beyond.