The Ikeji festival is an annual four-day celebration of the harvest of fresh yams and the Igbo culture conducted by the Igbo people of Arondizuogu in Imo State, Nigeria, in March and April.

This is equal to one week which corresponds to the four Igbo market days of Eke, Oye (Orie), Afo, and Nkwo.

Each of these days has a special significance and represents one of the several dimensions of Ikeja.

Eke is the day when livestock are purchased at various Eke markets.

Oye is the day of slaughter and feasting.

Afor is the day of more merriment and masquerade displays.

Nkwo is the carnival day when all new, old and ceremonial masquerades assemble at the central arena.

From all the towns and villages of Arondizuogu hordes of exotically dressed masquerades and their exuberant followers trudge out towards Nkwo Achi, the central arenas of the carnival.

Brief History of Ikeji Festival
Originally, ikeji was a ritual held to commemorate the end of the planting season. ‘Ikeji’ is thought to be a shortened version of ‘ike Ji isi’ (to remove the yam), which is commonly done in preparation for seed yam preservation in the yam barn.

In Arochukwu, Arondizuogu’s native homeland, Ikeji is conducted in March or April at Arondizuogu due to the ease of the location.

Early Christian missionaries were unable to comprehend Ikeji and, in classic European fashion, attributed it to paganism to deter their disciples from attending the celebration.

Ikeji, on the other hand, survived and came to be recognized as a cultural treasure deserving of preservation. Even the clergy now take part in ikeji.

Source: https://wokenationtv.com/ikeji-festival-in-imo-state-nigeria.html