Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Afia Olu Nnewi Festival which is the biggest cultural festival in Nnewi has kicked off without the usual pomp and razzmatazz.
Afia olu festival which appears to be the only surviving traditional festival among the fourteen (14) yearly festivals peculiar to Nnewi, is celebrated annually in Nnewi to mark the end of the year farming season and also offer traditional thanksgiving and prayers for a bountiful harvest.
Unlike other years, 2020 Afia-Olu Festival kicked off yesterday, Wednesday, 26th August, without the usual opening ceremony and display of masquerade at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Park, popularly known as Nwanyi Imo or Enete Edo.
Anaedoonline.ng learnt that the Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth O.N Orizu, and the three Obi’s, in consultation with Nzuko-Ora Nnewi leadership, has ordered for a low-key celebration, in respect of Covid-19 protocols of Anambra State Government.
In most streets in Nnewi, the usual spirit and fervour of the festival is relatively low this year, although, some youths are already displaying their masquerades.
Most of the businesses that thrive during the festival like bars, hotels, eateries are not finding it funny, this has also affected several others, including artistes, transporters and D-jay’s.
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