6th Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture (2019)

6th Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture

The 6th Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture took place July 19-21, 2019 at Igbo Village in Staunton, Virginia, USA. The three-day event received more media attention than in previous years, and this may have contributed to the larger turnout of attendees from the city of Staunton and neighboring towns and states. Continuing a trend from previous years, a growing number of youths participated actively in the cultural entertainment and other programs at the Festival.

Highlights

Cultural Heritage Showcase

  • Traditional Igbo wrestling match
  • Dramatization of Igbo marriage process in Igboland by Atlanta Igbo School
  • War Dance led by Mr Jerry Uka
  • Multiple dance performances by Atlanta Igbo School
  • Several dance performances by PILA
  • Dance performance by Ndi Igbo in Northern Virginia (NINVA)
  • Igbo pageant show organized by Ms Chioma Ogueri
  • Masquerade dance presentation led by Chief Okey Ononaku
  • Exhibit of Igbo material culture (artifacts)

Reconnection and Naming Ceremonies

The Reconnection Ceremony was officiated by Ticha Akuma.

Igbo Naming Ceremony was officiated by Chief Nnia Nwodo; His Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri; and Chief Anyanwu Ututu.

Topical Presentations and Speeches

  • Address by H.E. Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, followed by a rousing dance led by the ambassador
  • Address by President General of Ohanaeze Ndiigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo
  • Presentation titled “Kola Nut (Oji): Osisi Jikotara Igbo” (the tree that unites Igbos) by Chief Anigo Agwo from Afikpo, Ebonyi State
  • Presentation on business opportunities in Igboland by John Gregg
  • Presentation on stroke prevention by Victoria Uche
  • Presentation on disease preventing by Ada Ogbu
  • Presentation on clinical care by Dr Vicki Anakwenze
  • Presentation on nutrition by Lisa Anakwenze

Inter-denominational Service

For the 3rd year in a row, Igbos and African Americans worshiped together in a non-denominational service officiated by Igbo and African American clergy.

Photos and Videos