Ikeji Aro is a yam festival celebrated annually to mark the harvest of new yam in Aro. Aro celebrate the festival in the month of September, at times the celebration crows into early months of October. The end of Ikeji does not mark the beginning of another farming season, as it opens a recess that leads into dry season (okochi) , when the soil becomes hard and already harvested yams are stored in the barn, the time is known as onwa ato izu ike Aro.

The significance and traditional activities which accompanies the Ikeji festival that makes Ikeji Aro glamorous and unique in Igbo land are “Ikeji” categorically means harvesting of yam, which is a significant food crop among the Igbo people…it also marks the end of the year. That is why it is characterized by general grand event by people and sacrifices to Chukwu (God) for good and quality harvest. Pilgrimage is made to the Aro homeland by the Aro in the Diaspora serving as re-union between the two. In the past, this re-union served as an opportunity for reviewing the conditions of Aro in the Diaspora and for re- examining the strength of Aro influence and authority in the various Aro settlements; The Ikeji season afforded the Aro an opportunity for planning strategies for the continued growth and development of the Aro at various settlements. Authorization for the eating of the new yam is given by the Eze Aro. Until the Eze Aro makes the appropriate proclamation, new yam is not eaten by the Aro nation; Ikeji was an occasion for trooping the colors. A display of masquerades is held. The various Aro settlements send in their dances and masquerades to perform in this most colourful carnival at the Amaikpe arena.

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Nwa Mazi