IRI-JI (New Yam) Festival 2025

The annual IRI-JI (New Yam) Festival is a celebration of Igbo harvest traditions and West African heritage. Now in its sixth year and drawing over 1,500 attendees in 2024, this family-friendly outdoor event features vibrant performances, cultural activities and a welcoming community atmosphere for all ages.

Guests can expect:

• Opening blessings—Land acknowledgment, prayers, and dual national anthems set a respectful, inclusive tone before the symbolic breaking of kola nut and the first slice of the new yam.
• A sensory feast—Sample yam-focused delicacies like ji mmanu (yam with palm oil) and ji akpurakpu mmiri (yam porridge), alongside sizzling barbecue and vegetarian options from local vendors.
• Live cultural showcase—Fashion parades, Ogene drumming, women’s and children’s dance troupes, masquerade theatrics, and a mass “Dance! Dance!! Dance!!!” finale invite every age and background onto the floor.
• Craft & knowledge hub—Browse an Igbo art market, join mini-workshops on bead-making or basic Igbo phrases, and meet elders sharing folktales and proverbs that anchor identity across generations.
• Community connections—Network with local entrepreneurs, discover youth leadership programs, and explore health and well-being booths that reflect the festival’s role in newcomer settlement and social integration.
  Admission is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket and come ready for a full afternoon of food, music, dance, and shared cultural celebration.