The FESTAC FHA Grounds came alive on Sunday, 28th September, as the annual Iri Ji Festival drew thousands of attendees in a vibrant celebration of culture, food, music, and community.
The festival, which holds deep significance in Igbo tradition as a thanksgiving for the new yam harvest, has grown over the years into a cultural showcase that brings together people from all walks of life.
This year, Malta Guinness once again played a central role as a key partner, fueling the celebration with its energy, vitality, and cultural pride.
Honouring Tradition, Embracing Modernity
The Iri Ji Festival remains a symbolic ritual for the Igbo people, marking the end of the farming season and ushering in a new cycle of harvest. Beyond its agricultural roots, however, the festival has evolved into a contemporary cultural platform that highlights Nigeria’s diversity and creativity. Attendees at this year’s edition were treated to indigenous performances, traditional masquerades, and modern music that seamlessly blended heritage with youth culture.
Food was another highlight, with a wide array of yam-based delicacies, namely: pounded yam, yam porridge, and roasted yam, served alongside other popular Nigerian delicacies.
Malta Guinness at the Heart of the Celebration
At the center of the festivities was Malta Guinness, whose presence underscored its long-standing commitment to fueling culture and community. The brand’s specially designed Goodness Booth was one of the festival’s biggest attractions, giving visitors a chance to take part in interactive experiences while enjoying chilled bottles of Malta Guinness.
Through this activation, the brand reinforced its role as more than a beverage, cementing its reputation as a symbol of energy and vitality and a companion to life’s most meaningful cultural moments.
Capturing Stories and Voices
In addition to its physical presence, Malta Guinness extended the celebration into digital spaces. Using the official hashtag #MaltaGuinnessFuelsIriji, attendees shared their personal experiences from the festival, creating a stream of user-generated content that amplified the event’s reach nationwide.
The brand also engaged participants through on-ground interviews and vox pop sessions, with questions around the meaning and importance of the Iri Ji Festival and how tradition continues to shape people’s sense of identity. These authentic voices highlighted the enduring relevance of the festival and the joy of seeing our cultural heritage passed down across generations.
A Celebration of Community
By the close of the festival, it was clear that the Iri Ji Festival is more than an annual ritual; it is a celebration of community, resilience, and togetherness. For Malta Guinness, the partnership reflected its mission to celebrate authenticity and fuel moments of culture and connection.
As the music faded and the crowds dispersed, one thing remained certain: with Malta Guinness, the Iri Ji Festival will continue to thrive as a beacon of cultural pride and vitality for years to come.