Residents of Atissa Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State are set to celebrate their annual New Yam Festival today, a cultural event that symbolizes thanksgiving, unity, abundance and communal living.
Excitement has continued to build across the various Atissa communities as families make final preparations for the celebration, which marks the beginning of the yam harvest season.
Schools and other activities are expected to close early to enable children and adults participate fully in the festivities. Women have been busy preparing sumptuous meals, particularly the traditional new yam delicacies that will be shared among family members and guests.
As tradition demands, men, women and children will gather in family compounds and ancestral homes to partake in the ceremonial eating of the new yam. The occasion is expected to bring together relatives, friends and well-wishers in a display of love, hospitality and cultural pride.
Visitors and strangers are also expected to be welcomed and offered food, reflecting the communal spirit and generosity for which the Atissa people are known.
Beyond the feasting, the festival serves as an important cultural event that strengthens family bonds, promotes unity and preserves the customs and traditions of the kingdom. Elders are expected to use the occasion to pass down cultural values to the younger generation.
Children are particularly looking forward to the festivities, with many anticipating an abundance of food and recreational activities throughout the day.
The New Yam Festival remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Atissa Kingdom, showcasing the people’s rich heritage, love for one another and appreciation for a successful farming season.
Residents have expressed optimism that this year’s celebration will further promote peace, togetherness and communal harmony across the kingdom.
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