Akwasidae Festival

Akwasidae is the biggest and most important festival of the Ashanti people of Ghana. It is celebrated once every six weeks on a Sunday in Kumasi, the Ashanti capital, at the Manhyia Palace.The festival is a time when the Asantehene (King of Ashanti), Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, sits in state andgathers with his chiefs and the people to give thanks to Asanteman for peace, unity, good health andprosperity. It is a symbol of the rich Ashanti culture, tradition and unity.During Akwasidae, there is a grand durbar (procession) with hundreds of chiefs dressed in beautifulcolorful kente cloth, displaying their regalia such as golden stools, swords and ornaments. Traditionaldrumming and dancing fill the streets, and the sound of talking drums (fontomfrom) can be heard allover Kumasi.People from all over Ghana and the world come to be part of this proud celebration. It is not just afestival, but a time to show respect to our ancestors, our culture and our king.Akwasidae is who we are as Ashanti - proud, strong and united!