My cultural masquerade festival

Hello hive bloggers and friends trust that you are all doing well.

Tell us all about a festival that holds in your country that is unique only to your people. And tell us why you enjoy it so much. Or if you don't.

In regards to this week contest which we are asked to talk about one of our festival that is unique to our country so here I will be writing about masquerade festival

Masquerade is a common and one of the most popular festivals in the Igbo trib, and it is held according to various native calendars. Sometimes the masquerade comes out during burial ceremonies and social gatherings, but they're special occasions and times when the masquerade festive is being celebrated, and it is during this festival that all the masquerade come out.
Masquerade are regarded as superior beings who represent images of deities in Igbo land. The identity of the masquerade is kept secret and only a few men who own them or are the ones who bring them out are aware of it. Masquerade are only performed by males, and females are not permitted to see them at certain times, especially during the first few days when the masquerade is preparing to come out. During this time, the town crier will announce that all females should go inside and not come out until the masquerade are all out, the Females are only allowed to see them during the festival, and after the festival, the entire female will not come out again until the masquerade has returned. And during the ceremony, many masquerades will appear, including those who will be dancing and those who will be pursuing people everywhere, especially those with Cain's, and people will be running up and down in order to avoid being caught by the masquerade. I used to enjoy running as a kid because it was so much fun, and that is why I adore this festival.

This is Ugokaawu

I don't really know much about this one but I will say it not as aggressive as the others.

This is Aruokereke or Isekere

I like this one because it knows how to do iyanga very well and has its own style of dancing, such as jumping, back flipping and throwing the things it's holding in its hands very high and catching it without dropping it on the floor. The interesting thing is that if you keep calling him and healing him, he will dance for you and show you his talent because he enjoys praise and is very approachable.

And this one name is Ediogbenne.

This one, in my opinion, is the most dangerous because, as you can see, he is holding a cain in his hand and some even go as far as holding a cutlass. People always run away from them, especially women, because if he gets too close and you are still there, he will either flog you with his Cain or cut you with his cutlass.
Hope you enjoyed reading through.

All pictures are mine sent to me by my cousin from his cellphone

Thanks for stopping by my blog until next time 💞love💞💖
QueenPriscilla