Oyo State is set to host a vibrant cultural spectacle as the 2026 World Egungun Festival kicks off in Ibadan, with strong international participation, drawing visitors and cultural enthusiasts from Brazil, Cuba, Benin Republic, and representatives from Canada.
The festival, which opened on Friday with a symposium in Ibadan, will culminate in grand performances that will feature about 150 Egungun masquerade groups, alongside over 100 artists, in what organisers describe as a major expansion of the annual cultural event.
Addressing newsmen at the Symposium which officially flags off the two days event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said the festival has continued to grow in both local and international appeal, positioning itself as a major cultural tourism asset for the state and Nigeria at large.
He explained that the symposium serves as the intellectual foundation of the festival which brings together scholars to explore ways of improving the global visibility and documentation of Egungun heritage.
“One of our biggest challenges has been poor documentation of our cultural practices. Egungun is not only spiritual; it is also a rich form of entertainment.
“Unfortunately, over time, more emphasis has been placed on its spiritual dimension, while the entertainment value has been largely underplayed.”
According to him, efforts are underway to rebalance that narrative by reviving the festival’s entertainment appeal in a structured and safe environment that encourages wider participation, especially among younger audiences.
He noted that past concerns over the use of dangerous objects during performances discouraged public engagement, but organisers are now focused on creating a more inclusive and tourist-friendly atmosphere.
The commissioner added that international interest in the festival has grown significantly in recent years.
Attendance figures, Olatubosun said, rose from about 5,000 participants in its early stage to over 18,000 attendees last year.
Following increased global promotion, countries including Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba and Canada have shown interest in participating, although visa constraints have limited full attendance.
“This is an opportunity to present an authentic version of Egungun to the world. In places like Brazil, the tradition exists but has lost some originality. Here, we can showcase the true essence and attract global visitors,” he said.
The highlight of this year’s edition will be live performances by approximately 150 masquerade groups, featuring both traditional displays and more elaborate, visually enhanced presentations, the Commissioner assured.
Organisers have also introduced improved staging, expanded seating arrangements, and covered areas to enhance audience comfort views.
Despite the progress, Olatunbosun however, acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly in funding and infrastructure.
He noted that the festival is not fully government-funded, making sponsorship a critical concern, but expressed confidence in the prospect of the festival to attract corporate organizations participation.
“We are also working to improve facilities at the venue, including repairing damaged seating areas and providing canopies and cooling systems to address weather conditions,” he said.
In her keynote address, the Executive Director of the Sahara Centre, Dr. Adunola Okupe, emphasised the need to balance cultural preservation with modern economic opportunities.
She described the Egungun tradition as a complex creative economy involving multiple layers of craftsmanship, including costume design, textile production, beadwork, music and drumming.
“What we see as a performance is actually a full ecosystem. If properly structured, it can create jobs, generate revenue, and still preserve its cultural and spiritual significance,” she stated.
Okupe warned, however, against excessive commercialisation that could erode the authenticity of the tradition, stressing the need for governance frameworks to protect custodians and ensure accurate cultural representation.
“As global interest grows, we must safeguard intellectual property, protect the families behind these traditions, and ensure that visitors engage with Egungun beyond its visual appeal,” she added.
Okupe further noted that global examples from countries such as Japan and Mexico demonstrate that cultural heritage can be successfully developed into sustainable economic assets without losing its essence.
Different speakers in their separate addresses emphasize on the cultural significance and its prospects in the creative economy.
They maintained that the overarching goal is to elevate the Egungun Festival into a globally recognised cultural tourism brand while preserving its authenticity and ensuring it remains beneficial to local communities.
Dignitaries at the event included the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheedi Adewolu Ladoja; representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Folashade Ashley Ogunwusi; President of Ijo Oje Parapo Welfare Association, Prince Adeola Ayoola; and academics from the University of Ibadan and other institutions.
Also in attendance were representatives of the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos; Mr Simon Field, and stakeholders from the creative industry, including Nollywood actress and TAMPAN National Deputy President, Rose Odika.