Leboku New Yam Festival: Celebrating Harvest and Tradition

The Leboku New Yam Festival is an annual festival celebrated in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is one of the most significant festivals among the Yakurr people and is held every August. The festival is a time to give thanks for the yam harvest, which is a staple food and a symbol of wealth and prosperity in many Nigerian communities.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• The word “Leboku” means “festival of celebration” in the Yakurr language.
• The festival has both spiritual and social significance, marking the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new cycle.
• Traditionally, it is believed that the festival helps to bring blessings, fertility, and prosperity to the land.

Key Features of the Festival

1. Blessing of the New Yam

   • The festival begins with rituals performed by the village elders and priests, who offer prayers and sacrifices to the gods for a good harvest.
   • Only after these rituals can the people begin eating the new yams.

2. Cultural Performances and Masquerades

   • Traditional dances, drumming, and masquerade displays are major attractions during the festival.
   • Some masquerades are believed to represent ancestral spirits and play symbolic roles in protecting the community.

3. Wrestling Competitions

   • One of the highlights of the festival is the traditional wrestling contest, which serves as a test of strength and a means of selecting future warriors.
   • Young men participate in these fights to showcase their bravery and physical prowess.

4. Leboku Maiden Pageant

   • The festival includes the selection of the “Leboku Queen”, a beauty pageant that celebrates the beauty, culture, and intelligence of young Yakurr women.
   • The winner serves as an ambassador for the Yakurr people and represents them at other cultural events.

5. Exchange of Gifts and Community Feasting

   • Families prepare large meals made from yam and other local delicacies, which are shared with friends and neighbors.
   • It is also a time for gift exchanges, where young men present gifts to young women they admire, making the festival an opportunity for matchmaking.

6. Tourism and Economic Impact

   • The festival attracts visitors from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
   • The government and private organizations have invested in promoting Leboku as a tourism event, boosting the local economy.

7. Modern Developments

   • In recent years, the Cross River State government has partnered with sponsors to make the festival bigger and more organized.
   • It has become a platform to showcase the rich Yakurr cultural heritage while promoting tourism and unity among Nigerians.

The Leboku New Yam Festival remains a symbol of gratitude, cultural pride, and unity among the Yakurr people. It is a time when the people of Ugep come together to celebrate their identity, honor their ancestors, and prepare for another season of prosperity.