Hausa public life has its own rhythm of festivals, from royal horse parades to river contests and a hard-hitting sport.
Durbar (Hawan Sallah)
The Eid ride in Kano and other emirates. UNESCO added “Durbar in Kano” to its list of intangible heritage in 2024.
Argungu Fishing Festival
A contest on the river in Argungu, Kebbi State, first held in 1934. Competitors fish by traditional methods, many catching fish by hand.
Dambe
A traditional Hausa boxing style: one hand, wrapped in rope, is the “spear”, the other the “shield”. It grew from the butcher families and is now also practised by urban youths.
Kokawa
Traditional wrestling. In Sabon Gari in Ibadan, Friday matches helped to bring a migrant community together (see the chapter on Society).
Kalangu
Drumming and dancing at the market, a custom that is still alive but debated in some places.
Many of these events are now followed on radio, television and social media, as well as in person.