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New Yam Festival

An annual Igbo harvest festival, Iwa ji, held in early August to celebrate the new yam.

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At a glance

When
Early August. Varies by community.
Where
Igbo communities in Nigeria

The New Yam Festival is an annual harvest festival of the Igbo people. It celebrates the new yam and is held in early August, at the end of the rainy season.

What it is

The festival is held at the end of the rainy season. It celebrates the new yam and marks the end of one harvest and the start of the next work cycle.

It is also practised across West Africa, especially in Nigeria and Ghana. For other events through the year, see all festivals in Nigeria.

Names

The Igbo name is Iwa ji. Variants include Iri ji, meaning "new-yam eating", Ike ji and Otute. The Idoma name is Orureshi.

Rituals

Yams are offered first to the gods and ancestors, then given to villagers. The officiant eats the first yam afterwards.

The rites are performed by the oldest man, the king (Igwe) or an eminent titleholder. In some communities, old yams from the previous year must be eaten or discarded on the eve of the festival.

Some communities celebrate for a day and others for a week or more.

Food

The ritual yam is usually roasted and served with palm oil. Some communities serve only yam dishes at the feast.

Visiting

Customs and dates vary by community, so ask your hosts and be respectful of the rites.

Visiting Nigeria at the end of the year instead? Read what is Detty December? or browse places to visit in Nigeria.

Frequently asked questions

What is the New Yam Festival?

An annual harvest festival of the Igbo people that celebrates the new yam and marks the end of one harvest and the start of the next work cycle.

When is it held?

In early August, at the end of the rainy season. Timing varies by community.

What does Iri ji mean?

New-yam eating.

Sources and further reading

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