Thousands descended on Ibadan, Nigeria, on Saturday (May 2) for the grand finale of the 2026 World Egungun Festival, one of West Africa's most spectacular celebrations of Yoruba cultural heritage.

Masquerade performers exhibited stunts with fire and danced to pounding drums as festival-goers in vibrant outfits captured every moment.

Cultural groups presented elaborate dance routines while dignitaries, including international diplomats, watched from a VIP enclosure.

Now in its third year, the World Egungun Festival has grown into a major international event.

About 18,000 people attended the grand finale at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, with masquerades representing communities from across Oyo State, neighbouring Nigerian states, and even the Republic of Benin.     Participants from roughly 10 countries took part.

Simon Field, British Deputy Head of Mission in Lagos described the relationship between British and Nigerian culture, highlighting the large diaspora of Nigerians in the UK. 

The Egungun tradition is rooted in Yoruba ancestral worship.

Masquerades are believed to embody the spirits of the departed, connecting the living with their ancestors through elaborate costumes, drumming, and dance.

The Oyo State Government launched the festival in 2024 and is now pursuing UNESCO recognition for the tradition.

The festival also drew visitors from Brazil, where the Egungun tradition has deep roots among Afro-Brazilian communities tracing their ancestry to the Yorubaland region.

Beyond the masquerade performances, attendees were treated to jaw-dropping stunts including a man threading a chain through his nose and out of his mouth along with acrobatic dance displays and thunderous drumming.

Governor Seyi Makinde pledged continued investment in culture and tourism, while organisers announced plans to seek UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status for the Egungun tradition within the coming years.

Production: Kazeem Sanni/Reuters