Cultural trip to Nigeria: Igue Festival & Bronzes of Benin

Discover the highlights of this cultural trip to Nigeria

Edo or Bini Culture: Scarification, Masks and Traditional Religion

The cultural trip to Nigeria will take us to the former Kingdom of Benin, the historical territory of the Edo or Bini culture. From the very beginning, we will enter communities where traditions remain fully alive. Thus, we will discover ritual practices, ancestral beliefs and artistic expressions linked to Edo identity.

“Ude” Scarification: Traditional Medicine and Body Symbolism

During the cultural trip to Nigeria, we will explore the Esan region, where the abdominal scarification known as “Ude” is still practised. This traditional technique is used for therapeutic and spiritual purposes. In addition, we will meet people who continue to preserve this custom and understand its meaning within Edo traditional medicine. Likewise, we will analyse the relationship between the body, illness and spirituality. Therefore, this stage of the cultural trip to Nigeria will allow us to interpret how local beliefs continue to influence everyday life.

Edo Masks: Rites of Passage and Initiatory Societies

The cultural trip to Nigeria will continue with the discovery of the ceremonial universe of Edo masks. We will travel to the Kingdom of Otuo, where we will encounter examples of “Awe” masks linked to youth initiation rituals. In addition, we will witness traditional masquerades organised in community spaces. These ceremonies include fibre robes, ornamented helmets and ritual elements historically reserved for initiates. Likewise, we will understand the role of secret societies within Edo cultural organisation. In this way, this phase of the cultural trip to Nigeria will reveal the importance of transition rituals and performative expressions within Bini society.

Traditional Religion, Shrines and Edo Spirituality

During the cultural trip to Nigeria, we will also explore the religious beliefs of the Edo people in greater depth. We will visit family shrines and ceremonial spaces associated with deities such as Olokun and Ogun. In addition, we will learn about the importance of ancestral worship within traditional households. Likewise, we will analyse the coexistence between traditional religion and modernity. Many families continue to preserve altars and ritual spaces inside their homes. Thus, this stage will provide insight into the spiritual dimension of Edo-Bini culture.

Traditional Architecture and Bronze Workshops

The cultural trip to Nigeria will include visits to palaces, ceremonial buildings and historical structures linked to the former Kingdom of Benin. We will observe examples of Edo architecture and discover the Portuguese influence visible in certain religious monuments. In addition, we will visit bronze workshops and the National Museum of Benin Bronzes. In this way, we will understand the relationship between art, political power and historical memory within the Edo kingdom.

Benin City: Historical Heart of the Kingdom of Benin

The cultural trip to Nigeria will take us to Benin City, the political and spiritual centre of the former Kingdom of Benin. From the outset, we will walk through its streets to understand the historical importance of this city within West Africa. In addition, we will visit markets, historic districts and ceremonial spaces. We will also spend time with local families in order to gain insight into contemporary daily life. Therefore, Benin City will be essential for contextualising the historical and cultural evolution of the Edo-Bini territory.

Igue Edohia Festival: Royal Rituals and Traditional Ceremonies

One of the most important moments of the cultural trip to Nigeria will be participation in the Igue Edohia Festival. This celebration is one of the most significant ceremonial events in the Edo calendar. Over several days, we will witness public rituals, community gatherings and ceremonies linked to the Oba of Benin. Likewise, we will observe Edo aristocrats wearing elaborate coral adornments and traditional hairstyles.

Ugie Ewere Ceremony

The cultural trip to Nigeria will also include the Ugie Ewere ceremony, dedicated to bringing blessings and prosperity to households. We will visit traditional homes and ritual spaces where the celebrations take place. In addition, we will learn how these ceremonies reinforce social cohesion and the continuity of Edo traditions. Thus, this stage will offer a deep immersion into the ceremonial universe of the Kingdom of Benin.

Afro-Brazilian Architecture in Ijebu Ode and Lagos

The cultural trip to Nigeria will begin and end in territories marked by Afro-Brazilian influence. In Ijebu Ode, we will explore the old quarter to observe historical buildings linked to the return of Afro-descendant communities from Brazil. Likewise, if time permits, we will explore the Afro-Brazilian district of Lagos. There, we will discover colonial buildings, ornate façades and architectural elements reflecting the historical exchanges between West Africa and Brazil. Therefore, this stage of the cultural trip to Nigeria will help us understand the Atlantic dimension of Nigerian history and its multicultural heritage.

A Cultural Trip to Nigeria to Understand the Edo-Bini Legacy

Overall, the cultural trip to Nigeria offers a deep immersion into one of the most complex historical traditions in West Africa. We will not only travel through cities and villages. We will also analyse rituals, religious systems and artistic expressions that remain alive today. For this reason, this itinerary is designed for travellers interested in anthropology, African religions, historical heritage and traditional cultures.

© Photos by Jordi Zaragozà Anglès and Jorge Fernandez taken during a trip to Nigeria.

► Download the itinerary for this cultural trip to Nigeria

Click the button below to easily access the download form for this trip's itinerary.