In the almighty Annang land, which is located within Akwaibom state, Nigeria. There's this captivating and scary summer tradition called Ekpo.
Our people will always say Ekpo ade imo, which means that Ekpo is the pride of the people.
Ekpo is a masquerade festival where some vibrant young men cover their faces with masks, dress half naked, rub charcoal, pink, or white clay, dressed with different costumes, each signifying the ancestors, myths, legends, and gods of the land.
They are always accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums and sweet melodies of traditional instruments and traditional Ekpo (masquerade) singers.
Some Ekpo (masquerades) are scary, while others are enchanting.
It's a tradition that's cherished by the youths, children, women, and men.
During this period, people will come out from different villages within the community to watch the display.
The violent ones don't want people near them, especially if you are not a member of the ekpo group; you will be beaten and maltreated.
This ancient tradition is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Annang people. It also brings deep connection to the heritage and community.
Ekpo is not only a summer tradition but also signifies a celebration of fertility and bounty land and harvest.
This always takes up to one month after all the villagers within the community have brought out their masquerade, then they will fix a date to dance around the market. This is another amazing part of the Ekpo.
As it reaches its climax, a perculiar quarantine period marks its grand finale, where all the members of ekpo will come out sometimes without masks and the women are not allowed to sell in the market or go out to any place that day. Some communities asked their women to quarantine for a day, some three days. Women are not to be seen outside and are not allowed to pound anything on that day, as the ekpo members will say that you have broken the gods head.
The quarantine period honors the spirit of the land.
And the Ekpo members also celebrate their successful festival.
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