Culture & Festivals

Owerri Municipal is the hub of cultural activities in Imo State. It is the melting point of culture and tradition in the state. The ORU OWERE historical cultural festival takes place in the area yearly. The festival is also known as the traditional Christmas of the people of Owerri, a festival in remembrance of the founding of Owere (Owerri) historically, it was on or about 1463 AD that the founding father EKWEMARUGO bolted from his ancestral home Uratta into the wild, from the comfort and security of communal life to become the legendary founder of Owerri Town.

ORU-OWERE- is the cultural carnival of the people of Owerri Nchi ise community. It is an annual event which reminds the people of Owerri of their origin, their roots their ancestor and fore-father as well as the hospitality and peace which they are associated with. A period when the entire Owerri Nchi Ise community, young and old men and women, boys and girls at home and board, converge at UGWU EKWEMA, hug and laugh, smile, dance and celebrate peace. It is otherwise known as Owerri birthday anniversary. Activities making the festival last for a week. It usually begins with the roasting and eating of special yams. The festival is celebrated every July each year. Three weeks after the celebration, the Azuzii Clan namely: Umuonyeche, Umuodu and Umuoyima will do “AZUZII” to mark the end of ORU-OWERE.