Afan Cultural Festival

This is a cultural festival in Kaduna State, celebrated to bring the year’s harvest to an end and to proclaim the commencement of the hunting periods.

Afan, which means 'hill,' is greatly revered by the people, who believe it shields them from their enemies. Because of this belief, the Kagoro people in Southern Kaduna adore the hill.

On that very day, the Afan (hill) will be purified in a sacrifice to be performed by the Chief priest, after which he declares the period of hunting open the next day. The grand finale is the top-hill bush burning, which is followed by proper hunting.

The hunters, dressed in their hunting attire, return home with the proceeds of the hunt, where they are welcomed with various kinds of traditional music and shouts.

This festival is presently celebrated on New Year's Day as a mark of the commencement of a new hunting year.

Afan Cultural Festival was held on 1st January 2026 in Kagoro, Kaduna State, Nigeria. While the 2027 Afan Cultural Festival was scheduled to be held on January 1st in Kagoro, Kaduna State, Nigeria( the date may change)

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