ONWA DEZEMBA 2025: ANAMBRA’S UNIQUE FESTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA BECKONS

An unforgettable season of joy, cultural revival, and unbreakable family bonds in Anambra State – Christian ABURIME

Life is for the living who can count their blessings. Life is for the grateful at heart who see the beautiful side of existence. And life is for those who, despite the twists and turns of a year, can celebrate happy moments and cherish hopes of a better tomorrow. It is always true: only the living can celebrate!

As the breeze of joy begins to whisper through our communities, streets and homes, the air filled with the scent of upcoming festivities, Ndị Anambra everywhere, at home and in the diaspora, are beckoned to heed the unmistakable call of the homeland. Just as Lagos pulses with the energy of its Detty December for revellers, and just as the Calabar Carnival transforms the streets into a rainbow of colourful parades, Anambra State is proudly unveiling its own grand Christmas spectacular festival like no other: Ọnwa Dezemba!

Under the progressive leadership of the Solution Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, this annual Onwa Dezemba extravaganza is a heartfelt goodwill initiative from the state government, crafted to make December 2025 an unforgettable season of joy, cultural revival, and unbreakable family bonds. Ọnwa Dezemba is Anambra’s answer to the nation’s festive fever, a unique blend of modern entertainment and deep-rooted Igbo heritage that promises the same thrill, the same homecoming magic, but with the authentic flavour of the Light of the Nation.

Imagine the excitement building from December 18, as it kicks off with a vibrant City Block party tailored for Gen Z, alive with pulsating music, dynamic performances, and youthful energy at Awka City Stadium. The festive spirit deepens with soul-stirring Christmas carols and traditional Cankata gatherings at Alex Ekwueme Square on December 20, followed by a delightful Children’s Christmas Festival on December 25 at Solution Fun City, where the laughter of our little ones will be ringing out like waterfalls amidst games and holiday wonder.

Then comes the majestic Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival, unfolding from December 27 to 29 across Awka, Ekwulobia, and Onitsha, a breathtaking display of towering masquerades, intricate dances, and ancestral rhythms that will honour our timeless cultural pride. The energy continues with a spirited novelty football match in Awka on December 29, building up to the highly anticipated December 30 Flavour Home Coming music concert, where our own Flavour n’Abanịa will serenade Ndi Anambra with an electrifying performance that will have Solution Fun City rocking with highlife and afrobeats.

Speaking on the festival, the chief press secretary to the Governor, Christian Aburime, stated that as the New Year 2026 dawns, Ndi Anambra can refresh with a healthy Walk for Life at dawn on January 3rd, followed in the evening of the same day by the hilarious Laugh Out Loud (LOL) Anambra comedy night guaranteed to leave you in fits of laughter. The celebrations will then reach their climax at an All-White Old School Night, where elegant attire meets nostalgic classics under the stars on January 4.

“Ndị Anambra, with such a scintillating array of festive events, there is no place like home to celebrate and have maximum fun this season. Furthermore, the state government assures you of robust security measures in place to ensure a safe and peaceful environment throughout the season. So, come home without hesitation, come without fear, and reconnect with family and friends. Immerse yourself in our rich heritage and experience the entertainment that makes Anambra shine”.

Now you know: this Ọnwa Dezemba is your own Detty December, your own Calabar Carnival, but only bigger, warmer, and unmistakably ours. The homeland awaits with open arms. From the Solution Governor and the entire Anambra State Government, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with love, unity, and endless joy, Aburime admonished.