Knock knock, you don’t know it yet but I’m about to reveal to you an experience that will start off your 2024 Christmas holiday in Lagos with a bang. Did I hear you say show me? Let’s go!
So, picture yourself on the verge of your seat, overlooking the Five Cowries Creek, enthusiastically cheering on brightly coloured boats, decorated in the depth of Yoruba maritime culture, carrying a throng of people dancing as they parade past. Will they topple over, will they surge on, nobody knows, that’s part of the thrill. In the air, you can perceive the irresistible aroma of a barbecue sizzling nearby, your neighbours arguing about which boat looks the most fantastic, and children shrilling in the background as they admire the not-yet-comprehensible art of the boat that just rode past.
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you, the Lagos Boat Regatta! An elegant display of an interlock of people and culture; community and collaboration; art and spiritual worship; intention and innovation, reverence for source and sustenance, an experience so deeply cultural and artful that it speaks to the heart of Lagos.
Submerged in the never-sleeping heart of Nigeria, preparations for the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024 are underway, scheduled for Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Five Cowries Creek. As Africa’s largest and most vibrant aquatic festival, the Lagos Boat Regatta is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the rich cultural diversity and historical significance of Lagos State. At this point, I hope you are out of your seat and cheering as you read this (like Bimbo Ademoye in that Glo ad).
Here’s everything you need to know about this extraordinary event, why you must attend, and how to make the most of your experience.
A Celebration of Lagos’ Maritime Heritage
The Lagos Boat Regatta isn’t just a display of stunning, colourful boats and festivities; it is a deeply rooted cultural event honouring Lagos’ historical connectionto the waterways. The boat regatta practice was fashioned by the coastal and riverine peoples of Nigeria as a means of protecting and drawing sustenance from the environment through the use of watercraft to defend creeks and territorial waters. The regattas were also held to celebrate victories in trade and war and honour the Yoruba god of the ocean, Olokun, for protecting fishing expeditions.
For centuries, Lagosians have relied on the creeks and lagoons for transportation, trade, and sustenance. The regatta celebrates this enduring relationship with water while showcasing the artistic and cultural traditions of the state.
Anchored by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, the 2024 edition aims to reinforce Lagos’ position as a premier tourism destination in Africa. The regatta is a melting pot of history, tradition, and modern entertainment, and absolutely unmissable for families, tourists, and culture enthusiasts alike.
Event Highlights: What to Expect
The Lagos Boat Regatta 2024 promises a day filled with a deeply cultural yet modern excitement, offering something for everyone. Here are the key highlights:
1. Traditional Boat Races
Watch in awe, perched on your seat as beautifully crafted boats glide across Five Cowries Creek in a thrilling display of skill and teamwork. In a spectacle of different races, the 10-man race, 8-man race, 4-man race and 20-man race, rowers from Lagos’ indigenous IBILE divisions— Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe —will compete in a series of high-energy races that combine strength, strategy, and Camaraderie.
2. Colorful Boat Parades
Prepare to be mesmerized by over 200 stunning boats adorned with intricate designs, vibrant colours, and cultural motifs for the IBILE parades, with each boat telling a unique story, representing the heritage and creativity of its community or owner. Here’s how to recognise and cheer your favourite communities on. Ikeja will be in white, Badagary in yellow, Ikorodu in green, Lagos Island in red and Epe in blue.
3. Electrifying Live Performances
As a special treat for the ears, 9ice and Teni will be blessing us with their music in addition to other music stars whose rousing sets will keep the energy high throughout the day. Just to add some asun on top of the smokey jollof, the music sets will be performed on a floating stage, come on now.
4. Cultural Displays and Traditional Rites
Experience the rich traditions of Lagos through captivating cultural displays, dances and ceremonies performed by the IBILE divisions. These communities exist in deep symbolism, reflecting the spiritual connection between Lagosians and their Waterways.
5. Family-Friendly Activities
The regatta celebrates camaraderie, community and culture, offering ample opportunity for adults and children alike to bond and have an unforgettable experience.
How to Plan Your Visit
At this point in this article, I am certain that your belle is tickly like butterflies are having a pre-regatta in there. Very good. Let’s make sure we take this hangout out of the article, shall we? To ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action, here’s how you can plan your visit to the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024:
1. Reserve Your Viewing Spot
The regatta will feature multiple official viewing centres strategically located along Five Cowries Creek. These centres offer optimal views of boat races, parades, and performances. To secure your spot, visit www.lagos-regatta.com or reserve a spot at LASWA (Five Cowries Creek), Falomo, Ikoyi; EcoBank Headquarters, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island; Wealth and Crown, 24 Ademola Street, Ikoyi; and the Boat Yard, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.
2. Arrive Early
The event will kick off by 8 am, so plan to arrive ahead of time to soak in the full experience. Parking and access to the viewing centres may become limited as the day progresses. Come early before you hear ‘sold out’.
3. Dress Comfortably
The regatta is an outdoor event, so dress comfortably but prove to me that you did not come to play. I want to see effort, T for thanks but don’t kee yourself though. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle to stay hydrated (reduce your use of one-use plastic plis).
4. Bring Your Camera
Show up and show out dear. From entry to exit, document this once-in-a-year activity, and capture every moment. Whether it’s the colourful boats, live performances, or scenic waterways, the regatta offers endless photo opportunities. Make sure to add #LagosBoatRegatta2024 to your photos.
Stay Connected and Spread the Word
To stay updated on the latest news and announcements about the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024, follow @LagosBoatRegatta2024 on Instagram, the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024 Whatsapp Channel or the Facebook page Lagos Boat Regatta 2024.
Share your excitement with friends and family, and encourage (read: drag) them to join you for this unforgettable celebration of Lagos’ maritime heritage on Saturday, December 21, 2024. We cannot wait to see you at Five Cowries Creek!
