Part 2 of Accra the nations capital Festivals – in Accra When discussing festivals and events in Accra one cannot fail to mention the Homowo. This is a festival celebrated by the Ga people and is celebrated in Accra and all the traditional provincial towns of Greater Accra. The Homowo takes place usually around August of each year. I believe it is safe to say it is a harvest festival and is celebrated by the Ga people as a reminder of them overcoming hunger and difficulties after their migration to the region some centuries ago. There is of course drumming, dancing and much celebration. The sprinkling of Kpoi Kpoi/kpekele is one of the traditions worth witnessing as well as partaking in the consumption of kpekpele (Kpɛkpɛlɛ) this is a dish made especially for the festival. In certain parts of Accra and its environs, there is a restriction on noise and the playing of secular music during this time. Each different traditional area in the region celebrates the Homowo during a different week. One of the more unusual occurrences that takes place during the festival is the visit of the Ga Mantse to the Accra Brewery, but not to consume beverages mind, but it is here that the tomb of Nii Tackie Tawiah is to be found and thus the Ga Mantse goes to pay his respects to this prominent Ga King of old. Eid festival Eid ul Adha and Eid Al Fitr are muslim festivals, one marks the end of the month of the Hajj (obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca) and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son and the other the end of the month of fasting during Ramadan. During Eid it is well worth visiting an area where there are many people from the north of Ghana as many of them are Muslim. Nima being probably the most vibrant of all these areas (often known as Zongo’s in Ghana), which also happens to be very close to central Accra. During this time you will see the people dress in finery, both young and old, the ladies put henna on their hands and feet whilst everyone partakes in feasting. There is also music and a lot of sharing. It is also an opportunity to see a magnificent display of skilled horse riders on beautifully decorated horses and a display of the chiefs from the various ethnic groups who represent their people. In Ghana when an ethnic group has a sizable presence in a location away from their home they may have a chief elected to represent them and present issues to the Chief or King of the traditional area they now reside in. Accra also hosts a modern carnival, which usually takes place in December. All images reproduced
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 23:28:32 +0000
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