Oguaa Fetu Afahye Festival - Anansi Travel

August 23 to September 7

Travelers will fly into Accra, spending two days there before traveling to Abri to see the fantastic Botanical Gardens, and then to Kumasi for two days. From there we will go to Cape Coast where we will participate in the Traditional annual "Afahye" Festival.

There will be a informational meeting in Bellingham, Washington, USA, on Saturday, March 22 and March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Co-op Connections building on Forest Street.

Akwaaba Schedule for Afahye, 2003

Arrive on Saturday, Aug.23. You will be met by Akwaaba guides and driven to your hotel

Sunday, Aug. 24. This day will be spent in Accra perhaps going to church, the National Museum, resting from the trip, and sending internet messages home.

Monday, Aug. 25. Visit Makola Market in Accra and the Abri Gardens north of Accra in the mountain village of Abri, spending the night at the hotel in the gardens.

Tuesday, Aug. 26. Travel to Kumasi. Visit the Palace, the Art Center, and the incredible Market.

Wednesday, Aug. 27. Visit a Carving village, the weaving village of Bonwire for Kente cloth and/or a bead village and/or the Lake.

Thursday, Aug. 28. Travel to Cape Coast. Bonfire Day 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The beginning of our part of Afahge.

Friday, Aug. 29. Explore Elmina Castle and Cape CoastCastle.

Saturday, Aug. 30. Watch the market women take the first harvest of the year to present to the chief atthe palace.

Sunday, Aug. 31. Kakum Park and crocodiles at Hans Cottage Botel. Swimming.

Monday, Sept. 1. Vigal at the Lagoon with fetish dancing. 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 2. 2:00 p.m. A Regatta at the Lagoon. Boats with local fishermen racing in the Lagoon. Opening of the Lagoon. It has been locked for two weeks by placing a stick with fetish charms into the lagoon to collect all bad energies. After prayers, the fetish priest delegates someone to pull out the stick. His success when pulling out the stick which holds all the evil, determines the success of the excorcizing of evil. The chief then casts his net. The amount of talapia that are caught in three trys will determine if there will be a lot of food for the coming year. A bad catch means a poor harvest and can be retified by additional sacrifices to the Gods.

Wednesday, Sept. 3. Chief of the Omanhen's Tradition in Cape Coast. the Palace is open to visitors. Present two bottles of Snapps and chat with the chief.

Thursday, Sept. 4. Vigal at Nana Papiata Shrine 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Dancing, fetish dance, and drumming.

Friday, Sept. 5. Afternoon Oman Sacrifice at Papratem (sacrifice of a ram for the traditional people by the chief) The Procession is colorful with fetish chiefs. 9:00 p.m. Installation of new generals by Asofo Companies. They go to the sea side with bonfires and gun salutes. Throwing the new general into the sea to wash - sort of a baptism. A very nice and beautiful thing.

Saturday, Sept. 6. Durbar Day, the end of the festival. A very colorful procession of chiefs, Festival and Dances by Asofo Companies (armies) with flag dances and showing off of their generals.

Sunday, Sept. 7. Return to Accra and the flight home.