Wednesday 22 May 2013

Gelede: Isale Eko’s Cultural Heritage



Gelede Masquerades

Gelede faithfuls

Gelede, a popular festival which incorporates dance and music, 
took place towards the end of March, during the Easter period.
According to High Chief Akintunde Akinola, Baba Egbe (Prime minister) of Gelede said that the august occasion kicked off with Efe (concert night) on March 29, 2013, that is on Good Friday.
He explains what Gelede is all about: “Gelede in Yoruba tradition is the celebration of motherhood. We believe that mother protects her children so we see Gelede as our mother and believes that she protects us.  Among all the deities in Yoruba land, Gelede masquerades are friendly and don’t harm visitors. Our people have been celebrating Gelede for over 200 years ago, before I was born, and it will linger till eternity.”
He revealed that this year’s edition would witness massive turn of its members who have indicated their interests to return and participate in the annual occasion.
On why they celebrate Gelede on every Easter period, Akinola said: “The Baba Egbe before me tried to make sure that we fix a period that our sons and daughters and tourists will come and witness the celebration. A week before the Efe Night, the town-crier will go round the neighbourhood to inform people that the festival is approaching. Then, the festival kicks off with ‘Agba-ale’ in which the participants will sweep the vicinity to clear all evil things, sickness, diseases, draught and so on to herald a new beginning.”
When asked whether Gelede is just a mere festival or a religious celebration, he said: “It is our culture and we worship her. I have a testimony to it that my prayers are answered.”
We reliably gathered that Gelede festivals are also celebrated in Ikeja, Badagry and Iwaya, but Isale Eko  is the headquarters. 
Gelede Masquerades dancing


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