 Many Southwest states in Nigeria have declared Tuesday, August 20, as a public holiday to mark 2024 Isese Day celebration.
Isese, the Yoruba word for tradition, is also used to denote different kinds of festivals held by adherents of the Yoruba traditional religion or culture in Nigeria and Cuba, Brazil, the United States, Benin, and other countries.
Here are things to know about Isese Day
1. Isese Day is mainly celebrated in Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Edo, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti, and Kogi states.
2. The regional day is observed to give a sense of belonging to adherents of traditional religions.
3. It is usually celebrated on August 20 every year in Osun as a day for traditional worshipers to celebrate their deities.
4. It is a Yoruba traditional religion under the group of Ancient Religion Societies of African Descendants International Council.
5. Prayer, dance, and sacrifices are made with animals like cows, goats, dogs, and birds at specific venues depending on the type of god.
6. Sacrifice to Osun is done at the river, while that of Oro is done at shrines.
7. Colour white, among other colours like red, and black is usually the colour of the attires worn by adherents to the festivals.