Things to do in Abia
Walk a museum, watch a war dance, eat breadfruit, paddle a blue river. The calendar rewards anyone who plans ahead.
Plan a heritage tourDo something
Six ideas for a day out.
Walk through history
The National War Museum sits on the grounds of Biafra’s last capital.
Learn more
Festivals worth planning around
Each community sets its own dates and they can change, so confirm locally before you travel.
- Ikeji Aro Okeigbo, Arochukwu. A long festival of masquerades, wrestling, and cultural rites that runs for days. In 2025 it lasted 17 days and ended on 26 September, with Aro communities from around the world gathering for the finale.
- Iri Ji, Ohafia. The new yam festival, usually in September, held by Ohafia’s villages with Eke Ekpe masquerades, drumming, and dance.
- Abia Christmas Village, Umuahia. First held from 25 to 31 December 2023 at the Trade More Event Center (Okpara Square), with traditional wrestling, cultural displays, food, and a carol competition.
Through the year
| Time | What is on | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| November to April | Dry season | Rivers such as the Azumini, country roads, and easier travel |
| April to October | Rainy season | Green landscapes; plan around downpours and wet roads |
| September | Iri Ji and Ikeji | Festivals in Ohafia and Arochukwu |
| December | Christmas season | The Abia Christmas Village and family homecomings |
Taste Abia
Ukwa (African breadfruit) is a Ngwa favourite, boiled with pepper, onion, and palm oil, or baked and eaten as a snack with palm nuts or coconut. Ofe achara, a ceremonial egusi soup with elephant-grass shoots, is associated with Umuahia and Isiala Ngwa. Ofe nsala is a white soup made with catfish and yam.
Moves worth watching
The Ohafia war dance is the best known, with Nkwa Umuagbogho, a dance of young women, close behind. Festival days are the best time to see them, and many events welcome respectful visitors.