On September 14th 2024, the Living Hope Alliance Church hosted the 1st edition of the Ankara Carnival Day 2024. An event aimed at putting to light the beauty of “Ankara” (Ann-Kah-Rah) and the “Adire” (Ah-Dee-Reh).
In Nigeria, the word Ankara is what people call African Textile wears. Interestingly, Ankara is another word to refer to the country of Ghana. It is somewhat of a legend being told that in the 19th Century, Ghana was a major commercial Hub for African Textile and the Hausa people who are well-known traders of textiles referred to Ghana as Ankara in their Native Hausa tongue. When they brought these fabrics back from Ghana to their homes in Nigeria, people called these fabrics Ankara and so it was baptized.
This rich textile made from cotton is a staple of contemporary fashion today. It is widely adopted by all for its versatility as casual, semi-formal, and formal attires that are synonymous with celebration due to the use of vibrant colours and patterns.
In Yoruba culture, Adire is a format of storytelling using vibrant colours and patterns to portray aspects of our daily life, elements of nature, or even proverbs. Adire can be referred to as Tie and Dye. In the 20th century, it was pioneered by women artisans who used dyeing techniques to imprint patterns onto cotton fabrics.
The use of indigo, a dye derived from plants, is the distinctive trait of Adire, lending the fabric its characteristic blue shade. This colour was not chosen randomly; it holds cultural significance, often symbolizing depth, stability, and wisdom in Yoruba culture. And like Ankara, Adire is an African Textile Wear associated with celebration.
It is prevalent to see people harbour these beautiful fabrics on special occasions, as the colours and patterns seen on these are synonymous with celebration.
The Ankara Carnival Day 2024 was a sight to behold, an occasion for all to engage with African Culture through dressing. On the agenda, there were Fashion and Traditional Dance Contests, Community Award presentations, and of course, food and Nigerian Cuisine to particular! With a special mention of Amala and Ogunfe plus Ofada on Stand as well as vendors of African wears and accessories to complement the beautiful display of art happening in all forms within the walls of the Hope Alliance Church. The event amassed a great turnout! With admission being free, everyone was welcome, and that in turn was seen in the enthusiasm and engagement that was put forward by guests attending.
The Ankara Carnival was a day of honors for Blackcellence Network. Our CEO & Founder Vinolia Apakoh was among the individuals being honored at the Ankara carnival for the Pacesetters Award. An award aimed at honoring individuals in the community who serve as exemplary leaders.
Blackcellence Network Congratulates Mrs. Vinolia on her award and thanks the Ankara Carnival organizing committee for upholding our culture with this unique perspective.
