Asala Festival, Amichi, Anambra State || Tourism, Culture and Traditions

Every ten years, the people of Amichi, a proud town in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State, gather for one of their biggest and most important traditional festivals—the Asala Festival.

This special event brings together all sons and daughters of Amichi, including those who live in other states and those abroad (often called “abroadians”). It is a time when families reunite, elders are honored, traditions are displayed, and the culture of Amichi is proudly celebrated.

Who Celebrates Asala?

One of the main traditions of the Asala Festival is the killing of cows. This is not done by everyone, but by families who have elderly parents that are 70 years old and above. The age of 70 is the official minimum age for participating in this major aspect of the festival.

Sometimes, families who could not kill a cow during their parents’ burial (due to financial reasons) use this festival to honor both their parents and ancestors by killing more than one cow. It is a big show of respect, family pride, and cultural responsibility.

A Grand Display of Cows, Villages, and Masquerades

The main parade of the festival is always colorful and exciting. In 2024, the grand celebration took place at Eke Amichi popularly known as Eke Ochie, which is like the town’s main market square and central meeting place. The parade began with Obiagu Village, the village with the royal throne in Amichi. After them came Ebenator Okpala, Eziama, Udene, Afube, and other villages, each parading proudly with their cows. Some wore matching family outfits. Others came with their masquerades, which added to the fun and cultural flavor.

Obiagu village during the cow parade

Igwe Amichi and villagers

One of the most exciting and eye-catching parts of the Asala Festival is the way the cows are decorated. Families go all out to make their cows look special and unique. Some wrap them with beautiful George wrappers, tie beads around their necks, and hang balloons on their bodies. During the 2024 celebration, a few families even applied makeup to the cows, adding red powder, drawing eyebrows, or using white chalk marks to give the cows a festive and dramatic look. These decorations add fun and creativity to the entire parade, making people laugh, cheer, and admire the effort.

A beautiful made-up cow

Masquerades are a very important part of the Asala Festival. Many families bring out their own masquerades, and some are even invited from nearby towns. The famous Gorilla masquerade and other traditional displays are highlights of the day. With drummers and singers following each group, the whole town becomes lively and full of excitement.

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The Cow’s Fate

After the main parade, the next day is set aside for what happens in each village or family compound. This is when the cows fate is determined (winks)

In each family, people gather around the head of the family or a village elder. This elder offers prayers, and then he stabs the cow, allowing blood to gush out. After that, butchers take over and kill the cow fully. The meat is then cut into smaller parts for sharing.

Here’s how the cow meat is shared in most families:

• The cow head is shared among the umunna (the men in the family).
• The waist goes to the umuada (daughters of the family).
• The Oso Efi part is sent to the maternal family of the elderly person being celebrated.
• Children of daughters (nwadiana) are also given a portion.
• The rest is shared among family members, friends, and neighbors.

In some villages, part of the cow is cooked and served at a grand hosting event, where there is food and drink in abundance. It’s a time of joy, laughter, and reflection.

Why Asala Matters

The Asala Festival is more than just a celebration, it is a powerful reminder of where the people of Amichi come from. It brings together people from all walks of life farmers, businessmen, students, travelers and helps the younger generation learn about their roots.

For many who live far away, Asala is the one event that brings them back home. It is Amichi’s greatest family reunion.

A Festival That Can Attract Tourists

With how colorful and cultural the Asala Festival is, it has the potential to attract tourists in the future. The parade of cows, music, masquerades, matching outfits, and large crowds make it something people from other places would love to experience. It happens once in 10 years and brings together sons and daughters of Amichi from all over the world. If properly supported, it can become a cultural event that not only unites the people but also shows the beauty of Igbo traditions to the world.

A Festival That Sparks Discussion

While many celebrate Asala with pride, some strong Christians have chosen not to participate. They believe the cow ritual and ancestral focus may conflict with their faith. Some say it is a way of honoring ancestors, while others feel it may be ancestral worship. This has sparked conversations, especially during the 2024 edition. Some families celebrated quietly, while others stayed away completely. But most agree that Asala is a deep part of Amichi’s tradition.

Final Thoughts

The Asala Festival of Amichi is a unique celebration of family, age, tradition, and community. It brings people together, honors elders, and keeps the town’s culture alive.

If you were at the 2024 celebration, we’d love to see your photos. Feel free to share them in the comments.

But let us ask you this:

Should the Asala Festival be preserved as a cultural heritage for future generations, or do you think it is a way of worshipping ancestors that conflicts with Christian beliefs?