Flights to Nigeria, Lagos are largely operated by all European and African Airlines alike. The major cheap flights to Lagos, Nigeria being hosted by Afriqiyah Airways, Airik Airways, KLM, Virgin and British Airways. The cheapest flights to Nigeria are with Afriqiayah Airways and Airik Air offers cheap direct flights to Nigeria. Air Airik is also most demanded airline for Nigeria. For more details on ongoing deals with Airik and others please visit:
Most festivals in Nigeria owe their origin to the traditional religions and customs. The festivals are being celebrated since the practice of the major religions in Nigeria. The various festivals of Nigeria are celebrated throughout the year and are celebrated with gaiety, vibrancy and electrifying passion which fills up the air with colors and happiness. These Nigeria festivals are the key elements of Nigeria culture and represent the ancient practices, serving as a means of passing them on from generation to generation. Like other parts of Africa, Masquerades and dances play an important role in the festivals of Nigeria. Since ancient times, Dances have been the ultimate way of expression, happiness and culture. Some of the eminent Nigeria festivals are the Eyo, the Shadi, Durbar, Shango, Benin and so on.
One interesting and multipurpose festival is the festival of Benin. The festival of Benin takes place at the end of the rainy season, after the harvest has been gathered. It is partly a kind of harvest festival but also serves another purpose – eligible young men and women of the village are displayed before each other to be ritually acquainted. In old times, women were to dance naked in the festival, however, nowadays as nudity is frowned girls are required to dress up in gaily colored clothing. The chief parts of the girls’ display are the numerous heavy armlets and leg ornaments that they wear. They are so heavy that the girls must hold their arms over their heads during the entire festival, in order to support the weight of them. Their hair is intricately plaited with coral beads. In addition to that, both boys and girls have elaborate markings painted on their bodies. For the boys, its not as simple as dressing up and dace to find your perfect match. They have to show a display of their strength and responsibility. They take part in a tug- of-war as a demonstration of their strength.
The Benin festival occurs every four years but only for those who are wealthy and can afford to be matched with another person. The villagers may join in the festival atmosphere only. For tourists, it’s a miracle to visit the country during the festival’s time. Dancing, laughing, music and lot more is happening in Lagos and other cities where the festival is still regarded as an absolute and sacred way of match making. It’s a unique social gathering in countries such as Nigeria where modern day Community centers are no where to be seen, such festivals keep the social system live and affectionate.