IKORO DANCE FESTIVAL: A CULTURAL HERITAGE OF AKWETE COMMUNITY OF UKWA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ABIA STATE

Abstract

The Ikoro Dance Festival has contributed significantly to the cultural and socio-economic development of the Akwete community. As a living expression of the community’s cultural heritage, the festival fosters unity and brings the artistic skills and traditional identity of the people into prominence. This paper aims to examine the cultural significance and sustainability of the Ikoro Dance Festival, exploring how it has adapted to the modern environment while retaining its indigenous values. The study investigates the role of the festival in cultural education, particularly how it serves as a medium for transmitting heritage and identity across generations. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were gathered through oral interviews, participant observation, imitation, and active engagement in festival activities. These were complemented by secondary sources, including journal articles, books, conference papers, magazines, and credible internet materials. Findings reveal that the Ikoro Dance Festival is highly esteemed by the people of Akwete and is traditionally performed at the ancient kingdom building, highlighting its spiritual and historical significance. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that the festival be preserved and continuously supported to ensure the survival of this important cultural heritage and prevent it from fading into extinction.