Isese, a Yoruba word for tradition, also refers to various festivals celebrated by followers of the Yoruba traditional religion or culture in Nigeria, Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.
The Yoruba people make up about 35% of Nigeria’s population and number around 40 million across West Africa.
They are a significant ethnolinguistic group in Africa, and most of them speak the Yoruba language.
Some of the major Isese festivals celebrated by the Yoruba include the Eyo, Igogo, Ojude Oba, Olojo, Oro, and Sango festivals.
A key practice during festival celebrations is offering sacrifices to deities such as Obatala, Sango, Ogun, Sankpanna, and Esu, which are unique to the Yoruba people.
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These sacrifices are usually led by the Olu-Awo, a chief priest or priestess who follows guidance from Ifa or Orunmila.
This is a mystical deity of wisdom and knowledge, for spiritual direction during the celebrations.
Here Are The Five Things To Know About Annually Isese FestivalÂ
1. Nigerian states like Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kogi observe Isese Day as a regional public holiday to provide a sense of belonging to followers of traditional religions.
2. Osun usually celebrates Isese Day on August 20 each year as a day for traditional worshipers to honor their deities.
3. It is a Yoruba traditional religion under the group of Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council.
4. Prayer, dance and sacrifices are made with animals like cows, goats, dogs and birds at specific venues depending on the type of god.
Sacrifice to Osun is done at the river, while that of Oro is done at shrines.
Colour white, among other colours like red, and black is usually the colour of the attires worn by adherents to the festivals.
