The Kalabari New year celebration 2024

The Kalabari Culture Clinic and other organizations proudly announce the commencement of the annual Kalabari New Year Celebration, a time-honored tradition that has been celebrated for generations. The festivities officially begin on November 16, marking the start of the New Year according to the Kalabari calendar. This historic and vibrant event is an opportunity for the Kalabari people to come together in unity, peace, and a shared commitment to our culture and development.

In addition to the main celebration, there will be special programs on November 15 organized by the Kalabari Ekine Sekiapu, which will serve as a prelude to the grand festivities. These events promise to be a beautiful display of our rich heritage, fostering a sense of community and pride.

ESPECIAL POINT TO NOTE

It is important to note that Friday NOVEMBER 15 is a sacred day. On this day, a mandate of silence and darkness is observed as its been done by our forebears from time immemorial. The program of Friday 15 November 2024, is a time of deep reverence, as it precceds the secular convivial second part of sounds and dances. Therefore to mark the sacred import of the contrast and its deep seated purpose that benefits us all as a people of one ancient stock; it is expected that there will be no noise or activity outside as has been practiced since long ago over the century, except for the Kalabari Ekine Sekiapu whose call it is, between the hours of 12midnight and 5am, particularly in the communities of Buguma, Abonnema, and Bakana in line with their ancient customary legal Traditional duties to do the good office of working for the continued harmony, peace, safety and progress of all kalabari towns and people. The residents of these communities are therefore urged to adhere to the rules of this sacred tradition so as to ensure its success and reverence and to avoid any inconveniencing circumstances. On account of the foregoing, due notice has been issued to the relevant security and legal authorities to support respect of our age long traditon and its observance.

The events of November 16 are not of a religious nature but are dedicated to the unity, peace, and development of Kalabari, Ijaw, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole. They also serve as a significant boost to tourism, showcasing the cultural vibrancy of our people and offering an opportunity for cultural exchange and economic growth.

We invite everyone—Kalabari peoples and friends alike—to join us on November 16 at TEINMA/ABALAMA ROUNDABOUT @ 10 AM for a day full of traditional music, dance, delicious local cuisine, storytelling, and also tree-planting ceremony to honor our environment. This celebration is a reflection of our cultural identity and a call to come together for unity, peace, and development.

Let us come together as one people to celebrate our heritage and chart a brighter future for all.

Join us for this extraordinary celebration!

Everyone is welcome!

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and come celebrate the Kalabari New Year with us!

For more information, please contact:

Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison, Livingstone Membere and Ibiba Don-Pedro