The Fire Festival Celebration in the Northern Region of Ghana

Here in the UK, It is normal to celebrate the New Year by watching Big Ben strike at midnight, followed by a dazzling fireworks display, that can be seen and heard from wherever you are and cheeriness feels the air with songs and bellows of ” Happy New Year”!!

In Larabanga (the town of our family lands) and other local communities in the Northern Region of Ghana, New Year is celebrated around November and this time of year is marked by a big event called the “Fire Festival” also known as the “Begum Festival” every year.

In the local calendar, it marks the beginning of the New Year and bids farewell to the previous year. It is a special event is led by the Chief Imam and is a vibrant and colourful affair where prayers and good wishes are exchanged.

During this time, major or dominant worldly issues that will occur in the New Year are said loudly by the Chief Imam, which are believed to be scriptures found in the Holy Qur’an with prayer verses attached. It’s symbolised by fire which signifies light (guidance), hope, and prosperity in the New Year.

There are numerous ways for participants and visitors to be entertained, as there is always someone to talk too, have tea with and most importantly dance with. 

It’s one of the top moments in the lunar/local calendar when family members are brought together from different parts of the country. This is a great time to visit Ghana, and really access the diverse culture that the Northern region has to offer.