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	<title>#festival - RefinedNG</title>
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		<title>Akwa Ibom to Host the 2024 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival</title>
		<link>https://refinedng.com/akwa-ibom-to-host-the-2024-ecowas-food-and-cultural-festival/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=akwa-ibom-to-host-the-2024-ecowas-food-and-cultural-festival</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[REFINEDNG]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:04:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#festival]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://refinedng.com/?p=16135</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The 2024 edition of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is set to immerse attendees in the vibrant cultures of West Africa. With music, dance, food, art, and cultural showcases from across the region, the festival is designed to celebrate both unity and diversity within ECOWAS.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://refinedng.com/akwa-ibom-to-host-the-2024-ecowas-food-and-cultural-festival/">Akwa Ibom to Host the 2024 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival</a> first appeared on <a href="https://refinedng.com">RefinedNG</a>.</p>]]></description>
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<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/%F0%9F%8C%9F-ECOWAS-Food-and-Cultural-Festival-Nigeria-2024-%F0%9F%8E%89-Celebrate-African-Cult_20240622_112043_0000-1170x694.png" alt="" class="wp-image-16136" loading="lazy"></figure>



<p style="font-size:18px">In collaboration with Cross River State, Akwa Ibom State has been selected to host the <a href="https://ecowasfoodandculturalfestival.org/aboutfestival/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival 2024 (EFCF).</a> This grand event promises to showcase the rich cultural diversity and gastronomic excellence of the 15 ECOWAS member countries. The festival, scheduled from October 24 to 27, 2024, will be held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom’s capital, and will be a dazzling celebration of West African culture, food, and creativity**.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">Read: <a href="https://refinedng.com/chimamanda-ngozi-adichies-new-novel-dream-count-set-for-release-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s New Novel “Dream Count” Set for Release in 2025</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">A Grand Celebration of West African Heritage</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">The 2024 edition of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is set to immerse attendees in the vibrant cultures of West Africa. With music, dance, food, art, and cultural showcases from across the region, the festival is designed to celebrate both unity and diversity within ECOWAS. </p>



<p style="font-size:18px">Visitors will have the chance to experience culinary masterpieces prepared by renowned chefs featuring traditional dishes that tell the stories of their native lands. In addition to food, attendees will be treated to performances from cultural troupes representing the musical and dance traditions of the member countries. The festival will also provide interactive art and craft workshops, allowing attendees to engage with West Africa’s artistic heritage firsthand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">Key Events and Highlights</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1920" height="1280" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival.jpeg" alt="Akwa Ibom to Host the 2024 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival" class="wp-image-16137" loading="lazy" srcset="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival.jpeg 1920w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival-1170x780.jpeg 1170w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival-585x390.jpeg 585w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/group-of-dancers-in-bright-clothes-performing-at-a-street-festival-263x175.jpeg 263w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></figure>



<p style="font-size:18px">The ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival will host a variety of engaging events over the four days, celebrating all aspects of West African culture. Among the anticipated highlights are the Miss ECOWAS Festival Beauty Pageant. There will also be a Business CEOs Summit on food security, economic integration, and sustainable development.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">Cultural exhibitions will showcase regional food products, traditional arts, and crafts. A Food Expo will provide indigenous food businesses and vendors a platform to display their products and services, boosting local entrepreneurship and promoting tourism. The event will also feature a Youth and Women Forum, focusing on empowerment, development, and innovation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">Why Akwa Ibom Was Chosen as Host</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">Akwa Ibom’s selection as the festival host is a testament to the state’s cultural diversity, peaceful environment, and strong infrastructural capacity. Known for its agrarian nature and hospitality, Akwa Ibom is home to some of Nigeria’s finest food delicacies and tourism potential, making it the perfect backdrop for an event of this magnitude.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="700" height="400" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akwa-Ibom-road-1.png" alt="Akwa Ibom to Host the 2024 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival" class="wp-image-16138" loading="lazy" srcset="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akwa-Ibom-road-1.png 700w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akwa-Ibom-road-1-585x334.png 585w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></figure>



<p style="font-size:18px">Prof. Sola Aliu, Chairman of the National Central Working Committee (NCWC), and Amb. Prince Felix Ihonre, Director General of the ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival, emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s modern infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, venues, airports, and accommodation options, makes it ideal for hosting international visitors and events. Cross River State’s co-hosting role further enhances the festival’s appeal, leveraging the region’s cultural richness and tourism potential.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">Read: <a href="https://refinedng.com/fade-ogunro-founder-of-bookings-africa-first-african-woman-on-cherie-blair-foundations-global-campaign-board/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Fade Ogunro: Founder of Bookings Africa &amp; First African Woman on Cherie Blair Foundation’s Global Campaign Board</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">Expected Attendance and Economic Impact</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">The 2024 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival is expected to draw over 10,000 direct participants and thousands more spectators from around the world. It will attract 15,000 visitors and engage over 30 million virtual attendees via media broadcasts. Attendees will include Presidents, Heads of State, government representatives, business executives, traditional rulers, and leading figures in culture, tourism, and development.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">In addition to showcasing cultural tourism and promoting regional collaboration, the festival aims to stimulate economic growth through increased investment in the <a href="https://www.ecowas.int/member-states/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">ECOWAS region</a>. The event is expected to boost local businesses, promote inbound tourism, and provide opportunities for investment partnerships across West Africa’s food, culture, and tourism sectors.</p>
</body><p>The post <a href="https://refinedng.com/akwa-ibom-to-host-the-2024-ecowas-food-and-cultural-festival/">Akwa Ibom to Host the 2024 ECOWAS Food and Cultural Festival</a> first appeared on <a href="https://refinedng.com">RefinedNG</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<item>
		<title>Lake of Stars Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Malawi’s Beauty</title>
		<link>https://refinedng.com/lake-of-stars-festival-a-celebration-of-culture-music-and-malawis-beauty/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=lake-of-stars-festival-a-celebration-of-culture-music-and-malawis-beauty</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[REFINEDNG]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#africanfestival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#nigerians]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#refinedng]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#refinedpeople]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://refinedng.com/?p=15600</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Lake of Stars Festival is more than just a music festival—it’s a cultural&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://refinedng.com/lake-of-stars-festival-a-celebration-of-culture-music-and-malawis-beauty/">Lake of Stars Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Malawi’s Beauty</a> first appeared on <a href="https://refinedng.com">RefinedNG</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<body>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="840" height="342" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lake-of-stars1.jpg" alt="Lake of Stars Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Malawi’s Beauty" class="wp-image-15601" loading="lazy" srcset="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lake-of-stars1.jpg 840w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lake-of-stars1-768x313.jpg 768w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lake-of-stars1-585x238.jpg 585w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px" /></figure>



<p style="font-size:18px">The Lake of Stars Festival is more than just a music festival—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has been uniting people from around the globe since its inception in 2004. Nestled on the stunning shores of Lake Malawi, <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-largest-lakes-in-africa.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">the third-largest lake in Africa,</a> this festival has grown into one of the continent’s most celebrated cultural events, drawing thousands of attendees each year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">The Origin of Lake of Stars</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">The festival’s roots trace back to 1998 when British tourist Will Jameson first visited Malawi while working with The Wildlife Society. Enchanted by the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Jameson was inspired to create something to celebrate and promote Malawi globally. Upon returning to the UK, Jameson began hosting a nightclub event called Chibuku Shake Shake, named after a popular Malawian beer. The success of this venture laid the groundwork for what would become the Lake of Stars Festival.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">In 2004, Jameson organized the first festival, drawing an estimated 700 attendees, mostly from Africa. Fast-forward to 2024, and the festival now attracts over 4,000 festival-goers from across Africa and Europe. Musical acts and artists come together to celebrate a diverse range of art forms.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">Read: <a href="https://refinedng.com/the-distinctive-hairstyles-of-bini-chiefs-uguakpata-and-ogbon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">The Distinctive Hairstyles of Bini Chiefs: Uguakpata and Ogbon</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">A Unique Cultural Experience</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">Lake of Stars is not just about music; it’s an immersive experience that combines music, art, theatre, film, and wellness activities. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Malawi, the festival creates a space where local and international artists can collaborate and innovate, fostering cultural exchange and artistic growth. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1170" height="694" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lake-of-Stars1-1-1170x694.jpg" alt="Lake of Stars Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Malawi’s Beauty" class="wp-image-15603" loading="lazy" srcset="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lake-of-Stars1-1-1170x694.jpg 1170w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Lake-of-Stars1-1-768x456.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px" /></figure>



<p style="font-size:18px">The festival’s mission is clear: to promote Malawian culture and tourism while creating a platform for creative expression. It’s a place where community, creativity, and culture come together, offering attendees an unforgettable journey through the sights and sounds of Malawi.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">A Milestone Year: 20th Anniversary and 60 Years of Malawian Independence</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">This year’s festival is particularly special as it marks the 20th anniversary of Lake of Stars and coincides with the 60th anniversary of Malawian independence. From September 6th to 8th, 2024, festival-goers will gather at<a href="https://en.tripadvisor.com.hk/Hotel_Review-g1576665-d1575287-Reviews-or30-Fish_Eagle_Bay_Lodge-Nkhotakota_Central_Region.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title=""> Fish Eagle Bay Lodge, Sani Beach</a>, in the Nkhotakota District—a location that embodies the central lakeshore’s serene and majestic beauty.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">Global Recognition and Impact</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">Over the years, the Lake of Stars Festival has garnered international acclaim, earning accolades from major media outlets. CNN named it one of the top seven African music festivals to attend, and Time Out magazine hailed it as having the most beautiful festival location in the world. The UK’s Independent newspaper has praised the festival for offering a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant musical pulse of Malawi. At the same time, Vice Magazine has highlighted its powerful impact on young people.</p>



<p style="font-size:18px">Read: <a href="https://refinedng.com/annual-cultural-events-in-africa-from-carnival-to-masquerades/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" title="">Annual Cultural Events in Africa: From Carnival to Masquerades</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">Beyond the Festival: Community Engagement and Economic Impact</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">Lake of Stars is more than just a celebration; it’s a force for good in the local community. The festival supports various charitable initiatives, including volunteer opportunities for attendees to give back. The festival creates meaningful connections between visitors and the local community, from working with the Microloan Foundation to visiting local orphanages. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1170" height="630" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lakeofstarsmalawiartsfestival-1170x630.jpeg" alt="Lake of Stars Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Malawi’s Beauty" class="wp-image-15604" loading="lazy"></figure>



<p style="font-size:18px">The festival also significantly boosts the local economy, generating over $1 million annually. This economic impact, combined with the cultural exchange it fosters, makes Lake of Stars a vital part of Malawi’s cultural and economic landscape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" style="font-size:18px">A Festival Like No Other</h2>



<p style="font-size:18px">The Lake of Stars Festival is a testament to the power of culture, community, and creativity. It’s a place where the world comes together to celebrate the beauty of Malawi, the richness of its culture, and the universal language of music and art. As it returns for its 20th year, this festival continues to inspire, uplift, and bring people together on the shores of one of Africa’s most beautiful natural wonders.</p>
</body><p>The post <a href="https://refinedng.com/lake-of-stars-festival-a-celebration-of-culture-music-and-malawis-beauty/">Lake of Stars Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Music, and Malawi’s Beauty</a> first appeared on <a href="https://refinedng.com">RefinedNG</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Lagos Seafood Festival</title>
		<link>https://refinedng.com/lagos-seafood-festival/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=lagos-seafood-festival</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Refinedng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2020 09:00:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Agriculture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lagos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tourism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#lagosseafoodfestival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#refinedng]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://refinedng.com/?p=5552</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Lagos Seafood Festival Nigerian food festivals are elaborate walk-around events featuring the creative display&#8230;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://refinedng.com/lagos-seafood-festival/">Lagos Seafood Festival</a> first appeared on <a href="https://refinedng.com">RefinedNG</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<body>
<p><strong>Lagos Seafood Festival</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Lagos-Seafood-Festival.jpg" alt="Lagos Seafood Festival" class="wp-image-5554" width="745" height="373" loading="lazy"></figure></div>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Nigerian food festivals are elaborate walk-around events featuring the creative display of various cuisines. They are cultural expressions of our indigenous reserve and a showcase of the rich agricultural traditions in Nigeria. On today’s Saturday Small Chops, we celebrate the Lagos Seafood Festival.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">The Lagos Seafood Festival is a highly anticipated annual event, usually preceded by an exciting countdown by tourists and typical Eko (Lagos) residents. The festival marks the end of a fruitful year and ushers in a new one. The event welcomes over 3000 participants yearly, including Lagos State officials, tourists, stakeholders in the aquaculture value chain, local fishermen, marketers, vendors and exporters.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Read Also: <a href="https://refinedng.com/the-nkwa-umu-agbogho-maiden-dance/">The Nkwa Umu Agbogho (Maiden Dance)</a></p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos_Seafood_Festival">The festival is aimed at promoting seafood cultivation, local fish production and to enable investment opportunities in aquaculture.</a> The first-ever Lagos Seafood Festival was launched by the Former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola in 2012 to showcase the abundance of the state as well as entrepreneurship, hard work and resourcefulness of residents around the coastal areas. The festival is usually hosted by Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Lagos Seafood Festival unlocks the treasure box of 180 kilometers of the Atlantic water in Lagos. The festival further celebrates the indigenous people around coastal areas like Ibeju-Lekki, Epe, Eti Osa and Badagry, who have through their profession depended on the natural resources provided by the water.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screenshot_2019-12-17-09-20-59.png" alt="Lagos Seafood Festival" class="wp-image-5556" width="688" height="573" loading="lazy" srcset="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screenshot_2019-12-17-09-20-59.png 785w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screenshot_2019-12-17-09-20-59-768x640.png 768w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screenshot_2019-12-17-09-20-59-585x487.png 585w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px" /></figure></div>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">During the festival, creatives leverage technology to showcase the best seafood cuisine to Africa and the world; from gigantic fishes to crabs, smoked/dried fish, tiger prawns and rare breeds like the goldfish. The festival usually features exhibitions of creatively made seafood delicacies. The event venue is expectedly filled with seafood lovers enjoying the rare scenery whilst eating foods prepared on the spot. Beyond the exhibition of well-prepared seafood, the event is a great opportunity for participants, exhibitors and visitors to network and expand the reach of their businesses. The rich seafood diversity of the state is projected through the display of fresh, processed and enticing seafood delicacies by exhibitors. </p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lagos-seafood-festival-8-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5557" width="726" height="545" loading="lazy" srcset="https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lagos-seafood-festival-8-1.jpg 600w, https://refinedng.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/lagos-seafood-festival-8-1-585x439.jpg 585w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 726px) 100vw, 726px" /></figure></div>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">At the event, fishermen take their stands to display fresh fish, smoked fish, shrimps and more to the interest of participants as sponsor brands champion several interesting performances to wow the audience.<a href="https://www.nigeriagalleria.com/Nigeria/States_Nigeria/Lagos/Lagos-Seafood-Festival.html"> It also features shows like the pepper soup competition in which contestants could be awarded a cash prize or other consolation prizes. </a>With a lot of seafood to feast on, drinks, music and interactions with guests, the Lagos Seafood Festival is unarguably one of the best in Africa. </p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Expectations are high as seafood lovers, tourists and culture enthusiasts anticipate this year’s event which is scheduled for the 13th of December at the Muri Okunola Park, Lagos State.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Have you ever attended the Lagos Seafood Festival? You are welcome to share with us.</p>
</body><p>The post <a href="https://refinedng.com/lagos-seafood-festival/">Lagos Seafood Festival</a> first appeared on <a href="https://refinedng.com">RefinedNG</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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