NIGERIA: Nigerians celebrate their country's culture and diversity in the Abuja carnival

Record ID: 234719

  • Title: NIGERIA: Nigerians celebrate their country's culture and diversity in the Abuja carnival
  • Date: 27th November 2008
  • Summary: ELDERLY PEOPLE MARCHING WITH DRUMMERS MALE TRADITIONAL DANCERS ON TOP OF A FLOAT
  • Embargoed: 12th December 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Nigeria
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVAB0362RCJHLA5WW0O5L6IV91ZQ
  • Story Text: Nigerians celebrate their country's culture and diversity in this year's edition of the Abuja Carnival.
    Nigerians celebrated their country's cultural diversity at the annual Abuja Carnival from November 20th to 23rd.
    During the festivities, hundreds of traditional dance troupes take to the streets of the country's capital. The performers represent many of the 350 ethnic groups that are estimated to co-exist in Africa's most populous country. Dozens of colourful parades, floats and even contemporary fashion shows are put on for thousands of spectators.

    "The importance of the Abuja Carnival is to let people know the cultures of our various states, so every person will come and witness how culture is in our various states," said Isaac Iletaghbou, one of the carnival's organisers.
    Most of Nigeria's 36 states send 'cultural ambassadors' to the carnival. These include masquerades and musicians from the east and west and traditional horsemen from the Muslim north.
    The cultural festival, which has now been held three times, is promoted by successive administrations as a way to promote harmony in a country which has been periodically wracked by political, religious, and ethnic strife since independence in 1960.
    The government also hopes the event will lure in cultural enthusiasts from around the world. Cultural tourism is one of a number of efforts to wean Nigeria's economy off its dependence on oil.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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