Colorful Mass Wedding in Nigeria Celebrates Tradition and Community

On October 6, 2023, a vibrant mass wedding took place in the town of Shao, located in Kwara State, Nigeria. This annual event, known as the Awon marriage, attracted dozens of young women adorned in colourful dresses, celebrating a tradition steeped in local mythology. The ceremony, accompanied by the lively rhythm of drums, aims to ensure the prosperity of the community.

The origin of this unique tradition is rooted in a local legend about a young hunter who encountered a mysterious woman with a single breast by the river Awon. Following her visit to the village, she requested that the community set aside a day each year for the marriage of all eligible young women, symbolizing gratitude and the hope for future prosperity. The goddess subsequently vanished, leaving behind the annual rite as a means of honouring her memory.

As the women dressed in their finest wedding attire prepared for the ceremony, they paraded through the streets of Shao. The procession culminated in a blessing from the priest of Awon, solidifying the spiritual significance of the event.

“I have decided that I will also get married in the Awon rites because all the women in my lineage have done so,” stated Adebiyi Abosede, a 25-year-old nurse. She emphasized the connection between the tradition and fertility, noting, “Awon is a deity of fertility. She always blesses everybody with babies as much as you want. I want many children.”

Another participant, Adewale Afusat, a 31-year-old hairdresser, expressed her commitment to preserving the tradition. “From my teenage years, I have decided to carry on the tradition of Shao because they told us that anyone who got married with the Awon rites can never be barren, and we have seen it from the past,” she explained. “We want to honour it so that it doesn’t go into extinction.”

The ceremony not only celebrates the cultural heritage of Shao but also attracts tourists from across Nigeria, contributing to the local economy. As the brides danced and were entertained by musicians and dancers, the atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement.

“I particularly wanted to be part of the Awon wedding because I always see how colourful it is, and my mother did it many years ago,” shared Jimoh Azizat, a local hair stylist. Her words reflected the deep-rooted connection many people have with this tradition, as families gather to witness the festivity and partake in a shared cultural experience.

The mass wedding in Shao serves as a reminder of the importance of community and tradition. As the participants celebrated the Awon rites, they not only marked a personal milestone but also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving a significant aspect of their cultural identity.