Events

Lagos set to host spectacular boat regatta in December

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2024

Get ready for the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, set to dazzle audiences with cultural displays, thrilling competitions, and maritime traditions.

The Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, one of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations, is set to take place on December 21 at the scenic Five Cowries Creek.

Organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, this grand event promises an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors, showcasing Lagos’ rich aquatic heritage.

Originally planned for Easter, the Regatta has been moved to December to allow organisers more time to enhance the programme and ensure an inclusive celebration.

According to Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the additional time has been used to refine the event, ensuring it reaches new heights in both scale and impact.

The announcement, relayed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja, underscores the state’s commitment to elevating this cultural landmark to an extraordinary level.

The Lagos Boat Regatta will feature over 200 boats, each beautifully adorned and parading across the waterways in a stunning display of the city’s diverse cultural traditions.

Local fishing communities will take centre stage, providing valuable insights into their heritage while exploring new opportunities for economic growth through the event.

Visitors can expect to see vibrant celebrations of Lagos’ unique maritime culture, creating an atmosphere of excitement and wonder.

One of the key highlights of the event will be the thrilling rowing competitions. Teams from the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State—Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Epe—will compete for top honours.

In addition, private boat owners will showcase their uniquely designed vessels, adding an extra layer of spectacle and engagement for the audience.

More than just a cultural festival, the Lagos Boat Regatta is also part of a broader strategy to position Lagos as a premier tourism destination in Africa.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka emphasised that this year’s Regatta aims to elevate Lagos’ profile as a leading global tourism hub, highlighting the state’s pristine beaches, expansive waterways, and thriving hospitality industry.

To ensure maximum participation, the organisers have set up dedicated viewing centres at strategic locations along the Lagos coastline, including Five Cowries Creek (LASWA), Falomo, Wealth and Crown at 24 Ademola Street Ikoyi, Eco Bank Headquarters Victoria Island, and The Boat Yard off Admiralty Way Lekki Phase 1. Spectators can secure their spots in advance through the official website, making access to the festivities both convenient and enjoyable.

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture extends a warm invitation to all Lagosians and international visitors to join in the celebrations.

With vibrant cultural displays, thrilling competitions, and a spectacular showcase of Lagos’ aquatic culture, the Lagos Boat Regatta promises to be an event that will leave lasting memories for all who attend.

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Culture

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

Published

2 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.