Nigeria, Brazil Strengthen Cultural Bonds With Akara-Acarajé Festivals

Organisers of Nigeria’s Akara Festival and Brazil’s Acarajé Festival are joining forces to celebrate their shared Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Nigerian heritage through a vibrant showcase of culture, cuisine and fitness.

The Akara Festival, spearheaded by Fitnesstalkshow Communications, will take place from 16th to 19th October, coinciding with World Food Day, at Elekahia Stadium in Port Harcourt. The event will feature culinary competitions, music, dance, traditional games, and exhibitions, celebrating not just food but also Ankara fashion, cultural immersion, and entertainment.

President of the Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation of Nigeria (ABBFN) and representative of the IFBB Academy in Nigeria, Mr. Soye Elekima, oversees the festival’s Nigerian segment. He noted that the collaboration between the Akara and Acarajé festivals reflects the enduring cultural and historical ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

“This partnership transcends mere food or fitness; it is a joyous celebration of our shared African heritage—encompassing our fashion, music, and health,” Elekima remarked. “It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is a direct result of the recent bilateral agreements signed with Brazil.”

A standout feature of the Nigerian festival is the SHAPE UP Nigeria 30×30 Fitness Challenge, which runs throughout October. The initiative encourages participants to engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily for 30 days. It aims to promote healthy living while highlighting Akara as a nutritious and culturally significant dish.

Fitness Talkshow Communications Ltd is actively seeking support from food producers, distribution companies, and sponsors to enhance the festival’s offerings. The event will include a variety of cultural elements such as joint culinary exhibitions, Ankara fashion displays, music, and artwork from both nations. The festival décor, clothing, and food packaging will showcase the vibrant colours and bold designs of Ankara prints.

This cultural initiative comes on the heels of five Memoranda of Understanding signed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Brazil, covering areas such as aviation, trade, energy, culture, and science and technology. A significant outcome of this visit was the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, allowing for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil for the first time in decades.

Both President Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, heralded this development as a significant step toward enhancing cooperation in tourism, culture, and commerce.

Elekima has called for support from the private and public sectors, philanthropists, and corporate bodies to participate in and sponsor the festival, emphasising the importance of collective effort in celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.