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| Gelede Masquerades |
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| Gelede faithfuls |
Gelede, a popular
festival which incorporates dance and music,
took place towards
the end of March, during the Easter period.
According to High
Chief Akintunde Akinola, Baba Egbe (Prime minister) of Gelede said that the
august occasion kicked off with Efe (concert night) on March 29, 2013, that is on Good Friday.
He explains what
Gelede is all about: “Gelede in Yoruba tradition is the celebration of
motherhood. We believe that mother protects her children so we see Gelede as
our mother and believes that she protects us.
Among all the deities in Yoruba land, Gelede masquerades are friendly
and don’t harm visitors. Our people have been celebrating Gelede for over 200
years ago, before I was born, and it will linger till eternity.”
He revealed that
this year’s edition would witness massive turn of its members who have
indicated their interests to return and participate in the annual occasion.
On why they
celebrate Gelede on every Easter period, Akinola said: “The Baba Egbe before me
tried to make sure that we fix a period that our sons and daughters and
tourists will come and witness the celebration. A week before the Efe Night,
the town-crier will go round the neighbourhood to inform people that the
festival is approaching. Then, the festival kicks off with ‘Agba-ale’ in which
the participants will sweep the vicinity to clear all evil things, sickness,
diseases, draught and so on to herald a new beginning.”
When asked whether
Gelede is just a mere festival or a religious celebration, he said: “It is our
culture and we worship her. I have a testimony to it that my prayers are
answered.”
We reliably
gathered that Gelede festivals are also celebrated in Ikeja, Badagry and Iwaya,
but Isale Eko is the headquarters.
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| Gelede Masquerades dancing |
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