By Ayomide Otitoju
The Anambra State Government has announced the return of Ọnwa Dezemba, its flagship end-of-year festival, promising a season of joy, cultural revival and family bonding across the state in December 2025 and early January 2026.
The festival, unveiled under the administration of Governor Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is designed as a goodwill initiative to encourage homecoming, strengthen communal ties and showcase Anambra’s rich cultural heritage alongside modern entertainment.
In a statement, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said Ọnwa Dezemba represents Anambra’s unique contribution to Nigeria’s festive calendar, comparable to Lagos’ Detty December and the Calabar Carnival, but deeply rooted in Igbo traditions and values.
According to the programme outline, activities will commence on December 18 with a City Block Party targeted at young people, scheduled to hold at the Awka City Stadium. The celebrations will continue on December 20 with Christmas carols and traditional Cankata gatherings at Alex Ekwueme Square.
A Children’s Christmas Festival is slated for December 25 at Solution Fun City, while the renowned Ịgba Mmanwụ (Masquerade) Festival will take place from December 27 to 29 across Awka, Ekwulobia and Onitsha, featuring traditional masquerades, dances and cultural displays.
Other highlights include a novelty football match in Awka on December 29 and the much-anticipated Flavour Homecoming Concert on December 30, where celebrated artiste Flavour n’Abanị̀a is expected to headline a music showcase at Solution Fun City.
Activities will extend into the new year, with a Walk for Life scheduled for the early hours of January 3, followed by the Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Anambra Comedy Night later the same day. The festival will culminate on January 4 with an All-White Old School Night, blending classic music and retro fashion.
Aburime assured residents and visitors of adequate security throughout the festive period, urging Ndị Anambra at home and in the diaspora to return and celebrate in a safe and welcoming environment.
He added that Ọnwa Dezemba reflects the state government’s commitment to promoting unity, cultural pride and tourism, while wishing residents a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
