Ekpe Masquerade Festival (Oruku)

Oruku community situated in Nkanu-East Local Government Area of Enugu state is largely involved in cultural practices and celebrations. The Ekpe masquerade amongst others is one of the cultural festivals celebrated by the great people of Oruku.

The people who are mainly traditional worshipers enjoy the Ekpe masquerade festival. The Ekpe masquerade is of various designs and sizes with each one performing differently.

One significant thing is that Ekpe masquerade always ties a small bell on its waist which alerts people to clear off the road for the masquerade to pass.

The people of Ohuani Oruku are the main people into Ekpe masquerade. Other communities like Isienu, Obinagu, Ama-eke and Eziobodo are largely into Omaba cultural festival. Masquerade festival season is between November and February.

Prior to the commencement of any masquerade ceremony, there is always amazing shouts from initiated young men signifying the Ekpe masquerade is at hand, this shouts is usually accustomed to the Aguodo sounds that is frightful and which scares people away and make them switch off anything light.

Women are advised to cook on time in the night before Aguode sounds or else remain hungry until the next morning. 

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