The 8th edition of Anioma Cultural Festival comes alive on Saturday, May 14 2011 at the Arcade Ground, Asaba the capital city of Delta State.

Over 100 dance groups and other performing art will thrill guests and culture enthusiasts at the event which promises to be a glittering spectacle of culture at its best. The shift in date from Easter Monday, April 24, to Saturday, May 14 2011 was necessitated by the just concluded general election in Nigeria and the adjustment of election timetable by INEC.

The theme for this year’s festival is “Spirit of Unity in Anioma”, in line with the Anioma historical values of togetherness and selfless service to one another and communities.

Presenting the dynamic and ever-evolving culture of Anioma people, the cultural festival, reputed as the finest cultural event in Delta State will bring to people of Delta, Nigeria and beyond a comprehensive package of the unique culture of the Anioma people including, dance, music, arts and crafts, wrestling, fashion, gastronomy and a variety of art reflecting the Anioma ethos of legendary values.

The Festival’s highlights include, the scintillating Anioma dance art such as the energetic Egwu- Oshushu, Egwu Amala, Egwu Aja – maiden dance, Agwuba-royal dance, together with lovely display of Anioma contemporary culture by well choreographed dance group from the young and old. Other great art on display will be a traditional wrestling challenge and flutists- [Akpele] among other performance. The arts and crafts exhibitions of indigenous Anioma arts are always a sight to behold. There will be raffle draw with loads of exciting prizes, added to the activities will also, be a live band from a popular traditional musician from Anioma.

The festival begins with the sound from a traditional trumpeter signaling the arrival of Anioma Royal Fathers/Mothers, the custodian of Anioma culture. The dance groups will be on parade with emphasis on creativity, presentation, costume and choreography. Again the children from the primary and secondary schools will thrill the people with their classical dance steps and skills.

The principal partners of Anioma cultural festival are the telecom giant MTN Nigeria limited, West African Food Seasoning, Contemporary Group, Orchid Hotels, NTA-Asaba, Anioma Essence Magazine among others.

The annual festival of arts and culture aimed at re-integration of Anioma people and culture enthusiasts into our cultural heritage and values.

The festival organized by the Oganisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) brings together Anioma sons and daughters and Nigeria’s multicultural community in a unique, vibrant and contemporary -style celebration of arts and culture.

According to Paddy Ugboh, Vice President of OFFAC, the festival also serves as a vehicle for social integration, promotion of peace and community development in line with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation [UNESCO’s] initiative on cultural development which called on all communities to actively participate in the preservation and promotion of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal values scattered across the world.”

The festival train will be in full swing by 9am on Saturday May 14, 2011, it promises to be a life time experience of arts and culture with a difference.