Thousands gathered at the Obafemi Awolowo (Liberty) Stadium on May 2, 2026, for the grand finale of the third annual World Egungun Festival, a vibrant celebration of Yoruba ancestral heritage.
The event featured over 150 masquerade performances and 120 cultural groups, drawing more than 18,000 participants and international guests. The two-day festival began on May 1 with a symposium on cultural sustainability at the Secretariat, Ibadan, before culminating in a spectacular display of traditional music, dance, and elaborate costumes at the stadium.
A new cultural anthem was unveiled to reinforce the preservation of traditional values. The festival, supported by the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Adayeba Culture Tourism Foundation, aims to promote Yoruba heritage, boost local tourism, and enhance the state’s economy.
International diplomats and stakeholders attended, underscoring the global appeal of the Egungun tradition, which honours ancestral spirits.
Organisers hailed the growing participation as a sign of renewed interest in cultural identity among Yoruba youth and diaspora communities.
