Osun-Osogbo Festival
An annual August festival in Osogbo, ending with a procession to the shrine in the sacred grove.
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At a glance
- When
- Every August, for about two weeks.
- Where
- Osogbo, Osun State
The Osun-Osogbo Festival is held every August in Osogbo, Osun State, and runs for about two weeks. It ends with a procession to the shrine in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.
What it is
The festival is held every August and runs for about two weeks. It draws worshippers, spectators and tourists from around the world.
The programme
The programme includes:
- The traditional cleansing of Osogbo, called Iwopopo
- The lighting of a 500-year-old sixteen-point lamp
- The Iboriade, an assembly of past Ataoja crowns for blessings
The festival ends with a procession to the shrine in the grove. It is led by the reigning Ataoja, a ritual performer called the Arugba and a committee of priestesses.
Public participation in the procession was suspended in 2020 because of COVID-19.
The grove
The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2005.
Visiting
The festival is held every August, but exact dates are not confirmed here.
Osun State is not named in the UK Foreign Office's advice against travel to parts of Nigeria (page updated 22 Oct 2026). For the wider picture, read is Nigeria safe to visit?
This is a living religious event, so be respectful of worshippers and the rituals.
Also in Osun State are the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls. In neighbouring Ogun State, see Olumo Rock.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Osun-Osogbo Festival?
Every August. It runs for about two weeks.
Who is the Arugba?
According to Wikipedia, a ritual performer who leads the procession to the shrine, with the reigning Ataoja and a committee of priestesses.
Is the grove a World Heritage Site?
Yes. The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Sources and further reading
Last checked
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Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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Photo: Tadekwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and compressed. Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls
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