Growing Interest in Traditions and Culture Among Young Igbos, Both Locally and in the Diaspora

Across Nigeria and in diaspora communities, there has been a renewed and growing interest among young Igbos in reconnecting with their cultural roots and traditions. This resurgence is becoming increasingly evident through the celebration and participation in traditional festivals and events that have long been integral to Igbo culture. One such event that captured the attention of both local and international audiences is the recent Iri Ji festival, also known as the New Yam Festival, which took place in several Igbo communities, including a significant gathering in London.

The Iri Ji festival, traditionally celebrated to mark the harvest of new yam, is a vibrant cultural event that blends age-old rituals with modern-day celebrations. In 2024, the festival attracted a large number of young Igbo people, both in Nigeria and abroad, who have been embracing their cultural heritage with newfound enthusiasm. For many, it’s a chance to not only partake in the traditional rites but to also pass down these practices to younger generations, especially those born and raised outside Nigeria.

In the diaspora, particularly in cities like London, New York, and Toronto, young Igbos are organizing their own Iri Ji festivals, bringing together families and community members for a day of dancing, feasting, and honoring the ancestors. The presence of youth in these events has breathed new life into ancient customs, with younger participants actively engaging in the yam cutting ceremony, the traditional dance displays, and even the sharing of traditional foods, reinforcing the bond between generations.

The growing participation of young Igbos in these cultural events can be attributed to several factors. Social media has played a crucial role in promoting the richness of Igbo traditions, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube providing spaces for young people to showcase and learn about their heritage. Additionally, the growing focus on African identity and pride, both locally and globally, has encouraged a sense of collective responsibility among young Igbos to preserve and celebrate their culture.

In Nigeria, the trend is equally evident. At the recently concluded Ofala festival in Onitsha, a key cultural event that celebrates the kingship and leadership of the Igbo people, young Igbos showed up in their numbers, eager to learn, experience, and engage with the rich history of their ancestors. The Ofala festival, marked by royal processions, traditional dances, and the coronation of new leaders, provided a platform for younger generations to connect with their roots while fostering a deep sense of pride in their heritage.

Many young Igbo professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs are also contributing to this cultural renaissance, using their platforms and influence to celebrate and modernize traditional elements, creating a fusion of the old and new. Fashion, music, and the arts are experiencing a significant infusion of Igbo cultural elements, from traditional attire to contemporary adaptations of Igbo music, dance, and storytelling.