Celebración del Oke Itase 2023 en Ile Ife
We are pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Oke Itase 2024 activity program now has dates and a full schedule of activities for all followers of the traditional practice of Ifá. This year, the event will take place from May 26 to June 2 and will be followed live from Ile Awo and the available mobile apps.
The World Ifá Festival will begin on Sunday, May 26 with Iwole Ojugbona. From morning till night, ceremonies and rituals in honor of Ifá will be held. This inaugural day will be filled with prayers and offerings to bless the start of the festival.
The following day will be Aisun Odun Ifá Oloja/Egbo Ooni, which includes the ceremony of plucking sacred Ifá herbs, essential for the practices and ceremonies that will take place during the festival.
On Tuesday, May 28, there will be a procession from the Oke Itase temple to the Ooni’s palace, accompanied by traditional songs, drumming, and dances. This procession symbolizes the connection and respect towards the ancestors and Orisa.
On Wednesday, offerings will be made to Esu, Ogun, Oranfe, and Obatala. These orishas will receive offerings and prayers to ask for their guidance and protection. On Thursday, propitiation ceremonies will be repeated for the Orisa, this time for Aje, Olokun, Osun, and Osara.
On Friday, May 31, Ifá conferences will be held at Obafemi Awolowo University, where Ifá experts and practitioners will share their knowledge and experiences. On the same day, there will be a vibrant festival in honor of Ifá with music, dance, and traditional attire. Later, a procession and ritual walk will take place from the Oke Itase temple.
Saturday, June 1, will be the grand finale. The day will start with a procession from the Oke Itase temple to the Ooni’s palace, followed by the Ooni’s visit to the Oke Itase temple. The Ooni, the spiritual leader of Ifá worldwide, will bless the participants and officiate sacred rituals. Afterward, the World Ifá divination will take place, revealing the sign that will govern the Yoruba year. Babalawo will explain Ifá’s designs and the necessary ceremonies and sacrifices to receive all the predicted blessings.
On Sunday, the closing day, participants will share their experiences and pay homage to Ifá at the Ooni’s palace, followed by the closing ceremony that officially ends the festival, with wishes for blessings and prosperity for the coming year.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience and participate Oke Itase 2024 activity program! Follow us on Ile Awo for more details and to keep track of the festival details. Together we will celebrate the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Ifá.
For more information and to stay updated, visit the official Oke Itase 2024 page and download our apps. We look forward to seeing you!
