Nigeria — Events
Shango Feast
This colorful festival is preceded by 20 days of preparation and culminates in sacrifices at the shrine of the Shango god in Lagos. The hereditary priest becomes possessed by the god, acquires certain magical powers, then eats fire and swallows gunpowder (hopefully in that order). The procession then decamps to the Oba’s palace for a feast.
Independence Day
Nigeria achieved Independence from the British in 1960 and throughout the country on this day there is much celebrating. One of the true giants of Africa, in every respect, Nigeria certainly knows how to have a good time when it comes. There is a formal address from the president as well as parades from the military to add a formal sense of respectability to the wild celebrations.
