Uwanno Kingdom Comes Alive As Ukpe Festival Heralds New Year, Harvest Season
The ancient kingdom of Uwanno in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State is aglow with festivities today as sons, daughters and friends of the kingdom gather to celebrate the annual Ukpe Festival, the most important cultural event on the Uwanno calendar.
Widely regarded as the kingdom's traditional New Year celebration and New Yam Festival, the Ukpe Festival signals the commencement of the harvest season and offers the people an opportunity to express gratitude for nature's bounty while praying for continued peace, prosperity and abundant harvests.
The celebration has transformed the kingdom into a hub of cultural splendour, with colourful traditional attire, melodious music, captivating dances and age-old rites reflecting the rich customs and enduring heritage of the Uwanno people.
Masquerade displays, cultural performances and royal ceremonies are among the highlights that draw indigenes from far and near, as well as visitors eager to experience the kingdom's vibrant traditions.
Masquerade displays, cultural performances and royal ceremonies are among the highlights that draw indigenes from far and near, as well as visitors eager to experience the kingdom's vibrant traditions.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival serves as a unifying platform, bringing together families, community leaders and stakeholders to renew bonds of kinship, celebrate their shared identity and reaffirm their commitment to preserving the customs and values handed down through generations.
As celebrations continue across the kingdom, community leaders have called on the people to uphold the spirit of unity, peace and mutual respect that the festival represents, while working collectively towards the continued growth and development of Uwanno Kingdom.
For the people of Uwanno, the Ukpe Festival is more than a celebration of the new yam harvest; it is a living expression of history, identity and resilience, ensuring that the kingdom's rich cultural heritage remains vibrant for generations to come
