New Year Celebration in Enugwu-Nanka Village, Nanka

Most Reverend Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, Catholic Bishop

of Awka Diocese holds an opening prayer with Nanka Community

First of January is the beginning of new month and new year in every year. This period is the time when everybody is hoping to witness all over the world be it a Christian, Muslim or pagans. All over the world, people celebrate New Year with all kind of fireworks.

Once it is 12:00 am early morning, people usually call or text their love ones and well wishers to wish them a happy new year, thanking God Almighty for keeping them and their families alive to witness this great festival.

In Enugwu-Nanka Village, in Nanka community, in Anambra State, they normally start their new year with prayers and worship in an open field.

This prayer is for the entire villages in the community. People all over the seven villages normally converge to the central school after the announcement have been made to notify everybody that; the time to thank God for his continue guidance, protection, and above all keeping the entire community united.

The prayer takes the whole day, that is; the 1st of January. Then, on the 2nd of January, it is for Enugw-Nanka day.

This day is set aside by the village people of Enugwu-Nanka to come out to celebrate with their love ones, friends, relatives and well wishers. Neighbouring communities around Nanka community, such as - Agulu; Awgbu; Ekwulobia; Umuona; Aguluzigbo; Amaokpala; Isuofia; and by extension-Uga; Igbo-Ukwu; Ora-Eri among others are always have this great day in their mind.

The crowd at the event

Masquerades due come out to entertain people. The entire Nanka villages always have this day at the back of their mind being the 2nd of January, to celebrate with Enugwu village-Nanka. Other villages in Nanka Community also celebrate their own after Enuwgu. I will miss this years festival due to the commitment I have already.

Note: This article was first published on January 2017, for the 2016 festival in Enugwu-Nanka.

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