Nigeria is a land blessed with over 250 different ethnic groups, each with its own cultures and tradition. Divided along a tribal border line, the country has 3 major ethnic groups which dominate the others. They are the Yoruba's, the Hausa's and the Igbo. The Igbo's are situated in the south eastern part of the country, even though they are found everywhere especially in the north. The Imoka Festival in Awka, Anambra state is a Nigerian Cultural festival I've witnessed over and over again for many years. I'll take time to treat you with bits and pieces of information that'll satisfy your curiosity.

Brief Origin of The Imoka Festival

According to oral reports, in the olden days, the people of Awka came under frequent attacks from mercenaries and warriors from neighboring villages. The topography of the Awka area was such that it had very good forest vegetation. There was this specie of monkey that inhabited these forests. Whenever the other villages want to attack the Awka people, these monkeys begin to raise alarm that'll draw the attention of the Awka people who equipped themselves and got ready for war.

As a mark of honor, the monkey became a totem for the Awka people. Those monkeys aren't as friendly as one expects, but they aren't unfriendly either. They're fond of going into people's compounds, climbing the trees there and taking what they like. And because of the belief and the respect the Awka people have for the monkeys, they don't harm it.

The Imoka festival

There is often no fixed date in the year for the festival, but it often occurs between April and July. The build up to the festival begins in April, on a date approved by the chief priest of Imoka, known to the Awka people as Eze Imoka. The Eze Imoka is the chief custodian of the imoka groove where the shrine is located. Only the initiates are allowed into the place. In the olden days, the days that lead to the main day are filled with fun fare as many groups take their masquerades out through the villages nearby, showing off their strength and endurance abilities as they flog themselves turn by turn. There are two very important days in the festival. The day the Awka people go to Umuokpu and the festival day proper, which always happens within four or five days.
Awka is a town that is made up of about 26 villages. One of those villages Umuokpu is located after Amawbia, another town in Awka which is believed to be made up of strangers in Awka (according to the name). After the Eze Imoka has fixed the dates for the celebrations, they all chose a day (which is often on a Tuesday) to go down to Umuokpu and inform them. Everyone is allowed to come with their masquerades and age grades. The Umuokpu people prepare the "Abacha Mmiri" I.e. the tapioca for them. After informing them, the Awka people return and wait for the festival day proper.

On the festival day, everyone comes out to have fun and flog themselves in a show of superiority and endurance. The people from Umuokpu come down to Awka and join in the celebration. One peculiar thing happen on the Imoka day; it always rains on that day. More so, women aren't allowed to wear trousers on the Imoka day and even on the day the Awka people go to Umuokpu.

You really need to witness this festival. You'll surely marvel at the rich cultural heritage that abounds in Nigeria.

Note: In order to be sure of facts before posting, I've left out some parts of the celebrations till I ascertain them.

http://www.couturecrib.com/2016/04/nigerian-culture-imoka-festival-you-don.html

Awka rienu, Awka kachaanu. Mmunwu m erieghi.