Today, I’m going to share with you 3 African cultural events you can’t afford to miss when in Ghana.
In fact, if you travel to Ghana without experiencing any of these cultures, you’ll need a total refund from your travel agent or planner.
So relax, and let’s walk through a colorful nation of unique cultures.
Contents
Traditional marriage – a union of families
One of the most talked-about African cultural events is marriage. In Ghana, marriage is not just a union between a man and a woman. It’s between the families of both the man and the woman. And perhaps, between communities (if they come from different communities).
Traditionally, John, who is interested in marrying Linda, would first meet with the parents of Linda. At this point, John is only seeking for approval from the parents before actual marriage preparations begin.
And guess what.
If Linda’s parents feel that John is too short for their adoring daughter, John’s marriage goal is shuttered forever.
But today, parents would usually ask their daughter if she knows the man in question. And whether or not she agrees before the they make a decision.
This stage is called the knocking ceremony. And it is also the period during which the woman’s family does a background check on the man to see if his character befits their daughter.
If the parents agree, they will give John a list of items to present as the bride price. And a date is set for both families to meet at the woman’s family house for the actual ceremony.
The ceremony is characterized by a colorful display of fabrics, gifts, and a cultural performance to entertain guests. You would typically see the head of the woman’s family receiving the bride price after a series of discussions. And once the bride price is received, it means the path is clear for the man to become a husband.
But don’t leave the event yet. Because elderly men and women have to give advice to the newly wedded couples. And sometimes to the singles like myself 🙂
Festival, a pillar in African cultural events
If you can’t attend any of the 5 African cultural events at all, don’t miss festival celebrations.
Here’s why
Festivals are special occasions where Kings and Chiefs display the true beauty of the African culture in a colorful manner. It is usually the time when the chiefs and community members give thanks to the gods and ancestors for a good cause. Or appeal to the gods for help.
It could also be in remembrance of a special event such as when a major war was won.
Here are a few examples of key festivals you should include in your planning.
Homowo Festival
Homowo is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga-Adangbe in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
It begins with the planting of millet by the chief priest in May. It is characterized by a special kind of dance called ‘kpanlogo’ and the communal sharing and eating of kpoikpoi.
So if you’ll be living in Accra in May of the year, be prepared to dance kpanlogo. And you’ll love it.
Fetu Afahye
Fetu is another mind-blowing festival celebrated by the people of Oguaa in Cape Coast. You might have heard that Cape Coast is the former capital of Ghana, the then Gold Coast.
During the festival, the traditional authorities perform sacrifices to the 77 gods of the land. The sacrifices are intended to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest. And for removing an omen that fell upon the people several years ago.
I know you can’t wait to experience it but wait. Because people from the entire nation troop to the ancient city for the celebration so it important for me to remind you to not walk alone in dark places at night. I care about your phone.
Adae Kese Festival
Adae Kese is a festival celebrated by the Ashantis. The Ashanti’s are located in the middle part of the country. And is one of the most powerful Kingdoms in West Africa.
It is celebrated between July and October to commemorate a successful battle, The Battle of Feyiase against the Denkyira people of Ghana.
And I tell you, The Manhyia Palace of the kingdom alone is enough to make you relocate to Ghana forever. It’s simply amazing.
Naming Ceremony – discover your birth name
Naming ceremony is a cultural activity that is performed for literally every Ghanaian. But different tribes perform it in different ways.
For example
The Akans believe that until a newborn is 7days old, the baby is not considered as a human being yet. It is only after the naming ceremony has been performed that the child is formally welcomed to be part of the family and community.
On the day of the ceremony, the mother and baby typically dress in white clothes, from ear ring to slippers and lip-gloss.
It is important to note that the day on which the child is born automatically gives him/her a name.
For example
Every female born on Thursday would automatically be called Yaa by the Akans.
Know your name by the day you were born.
The father of the child would present a name (usually of an elderly family member who is alive is dead) to be given to the child.
Until recently, the naming ceremony was also the time for the circumcision of the child. And if the child is a female, her ears would also be pierced on this day.
One prominent activity you will witness is the tasting of water and alcohol by the new born baby. Among the Ga-Adangbe people, an elderly family member will drop water on the kid’s tongue, followed by a drop of alcohol. The water represents truth. And the alcohol represents lies.
This is a message to the child that throughout his/her life, he/she should learn to be honest. And be able to differentiate the truth from lies.
Finally, gifts are presented to both mother and child. And the charged atmosphere of joy spreads like fire in the community.
Conclusion
Now you have it, the 3 African cultural events you can’t afford to miss when you are in Ghana. There is a saying that seeing is believing. And trust me, the joy of experiencing these cultures could easily make you naturalize as a Ghanaian.
And if you plan to do that, akwaaba! (meaning welcome)
Now it’s your turn.
Tell me, which of the 3 cultures you would love to see the most?