What annual cultural festival celebrated across southeastern Nigeria between August and October marks the harvest of the new yam crop?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. the Iri Ji Festival, or New Yam Festival
- Step 1: In Igbo culture, yam (ji) is revered as the king of agricultural crops. Step 2. The Iri Ji festival gives thanksgiving to the earth deity (Ala) and ancestors before the new yams are eaten, marked by roasting fresh yams served with palm oil. Answer: the Iri Ji Festival, or New Yam Festival. Why not the others: Ofala is specific to Onitsha and related kingdoms; Ikeji is an Aro masquerade festival; Ogwuwu is a localized clan rite.
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