Events

Canada-based Nigerians to celebrate Asa Day 2023 in Calgary

Published

4 years ago

February 6, 2023

whatsapp image 2023 02 06 at 8.31.38 am

Asa Day is a cultural event popular among the Yorubas, the largest ethnic group in south of the Sahara and the third largest ethnic group in Africa. This deeply rich cultural group is concentrated in the south western part of Nigeria with a population of about 50 millions.

Asa, which simply means culture, has a day set aside for it annually and it is one of the major events celebrated all over the globe in Brazil, Benin republic, Cuba, Togo and some other places in the Caribbean.

Because of the importance of culture to the Yorubas ASA has been religiously celebrated in different forms over many decades and the purpose is to maintain and showcase the culture to the outside world, while passing it to the future generations.

To this purpose, a Canada-based indigenous entertainment company, Olori Theatre Entertainment & Productions (OTEP), is spearheading the event celebration in the country.

The maiden edition of Asa Day-Calgary 2023 will be showcasing arts and culture, dances, masquerade display and many more.

According to OTEP boss, Hon. Amb Olori Funmilayo Adedeji, cultural times are fun times.

“Yorubas are the most urbanized African civilization before the arrival of the Europeans and this is reason every culturally oriented member of the tribe is always finding a way to promote the rich culture.

“For the maiden edition of the event, some of our Yoruba monarchs and chiefs have signified their interests to support and grace the maiden occasion. Therefore, I implore all members of the Yoruba communities in Canada not to miss it,” she said.

The event is billed to hold on July 8, 2023. For more information, contact 403-903-2160 or mail oloritheatreproductions@gmail.com or visit www.oloritheatre.com

Up Next

Glamour, glitz as B’obagunwa Omo’ba Obinrin Akile Ijebu celebrates New Year party (Photos)

Don't Miss

Ogunsua of Modakeke urges Nigerians to celebrate with moderation

Click to comment

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.