Aspaatere Festival

A 3 day festival promoting indigenous music, dance, customs, entertainment, performances, traditional food, drinks, artwork and aspects of Ghanaian culture, history, heritage and tradition. Regions of Ghana were celebrated over 3 days at the Efua Sutherland Childrens Park in Accra.  https://www.aspaaterefestival.com/

Aspaaterε is a Samai symbol of resilience to the Ga people of Ghana.
Meaning – All humans find themselves in different situations. Thus, everyone understands their own situation best. Self-awareness is essential for achieving one’s goals.
Define, preserve and promote culture

 

Highlights also included -highlife night, storytelling, street parade, quiz, art workshop.

 

OPENING CEREMONY
An entourage of chiefs, guest speakers, invited guests, queen mothers, dancers and drummers, dignatories, entered the park in regal style. Libation was poured and prayers spoken to honour the Ancestors and to ensure the festival is met with peace and to officially open the Aspaatere festival.

Speeches from Queens Mothers Council on the importance of inclusion and to ensure traditions are taken seriously within the community.

Also opening speech from Chief Nii Ayi Okufoubor of Ngleshi Lafaa Mantse.

ENTERTAINMENT – The joyous display of culture with dancing and drumming are a must at Ghanaian events.

FOOD – The Ghana Traditional Caterers Association (GTCA) did not play when it came to indigenous food. Especially being prepared in front of your eyes and smelling sweet. Plenty of pounding. So much variety to be spoilt for choice. I was drawn towards the Ewe food stand. I was hungry so with no hesitation as soon as Aunty Becky lifted the pot lid – I was sold on chopping Abolo and kontomire stew. Abolo is a staple food consumed by the Ewe people in southern Ghana 

Abolo – a gluten free, sweetly slightly sour steamed dumplin. Prepared by combining sugar and water to ground corn to form a dough. The dough is left overnight to rise, then wrapped in corn husks then steamed or baked – but tastes similar.
With my fingers ready for the delights I chopped oooo – just leaving the fish bones. It was delicious that I even took a pack home.

VENDORS – Maily food vendors but also a few selling artifacts. Was nice to see Samai Ga symbols. 

 

CHILLIN – For the rest of the day we sat down and chilled and gossip until the sky night appeared. The highlife and hiplife sounds blasting from the speakers moved the hips in the chair. I was so hot and lazy that I couldn’t be bothered to get up, plus my left foot was swollen (not enough water). 

It was great to meet up with Louisa, Ivy, Emmanuel. A whole day of cultural vibes.

Bless Sister E