Harvest, heritage, homecoming: The enduring legacy of iri

Every August 15, the Mbaise nation of Imo State transforms into a vivid tapestry of tradition, unity, and communal pride. The annual Iri Ji Mbaise National Cultural Festival stands as one of the most significant ancestral gatherings in Igboland, drawing together traditional rulers, community leaders, families, professionals, political figures, and diaspora members returning home to reconnect with their roots.