Nigeria is the home of several cultures and traditions. Therefore, it is not surprising to see several mixes of traditions coming together to create a fanciful display at any festive occasion. Whether it’s a wedding, graduation or birthday party, remember to hold your camera close. You would need it to capture many beautiful moments.
So, in no particular order, here are some of the highlights of a Nigerian party:
FOOD
Jollof has no rival. What is a social gathering without the aroma of that spicy meal, cooking away in an aluminum pot, on a burning pile of wood? It is not an exaggeration that Jollof is the “King” of all dishes at any social gathering in Nigeria. Another food that comes fast on its heels is Amala. However, this is more common among the Yorubas: A tribe inhabiting the South-Western region of the country. The list is incomplete without mentioning others such as Afang soup, pounded yam, Ekpankukwo, Ikokore, and hordes of others.
FASHION
Nigerian attires are famous for the incorporation of colors, embroideries, beads, intricately designed embroideries, and style into their ensemble. Oftentimes, you can tell the tribe a person belongs to, by the choice of their clothing even before saying a word to them. At some parties, the guests wear the same attire for easy recognition to show that they belong to a certain group, class, age range or rank. This trend is popularly referred to as Aso Ebi. It has been alive for ages and has come to stay.
CROWD
If your party is not strictly by invitation, expect thirty percent of your guests to be people you have never seen or met in your entire life. Weekends are popularly known for parties in every part of Nigeria. This is because it is a day of rest for most workers. There is a higher probability that distant relatives, acquaintances, and colleagues would attend your wedding on a Saturday than any other day of the week. The good side of it all is that your uninvited guests would bring as much life to the party like the ones you sent an invitation card to.
MUSIC
You can’t be passive at any event. It's either you are gently folding the drape of your agbada while trying to do some dance steps or just nodding your head to the music. There is a song for everyone regardless of their taste. The Nigerian music industry is an evergreen and fast-growing one.
photo by Ayoola Salako. Unsplash
Some people argue that parties are more interesting in rural than urban areas. Let me know your views.
True...there's no party like a Lagos party.
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