Ankara Day in My Institution: A Beautiful Cultural Experience

This past Saturday was one of those days I won’t forget in a hurry. It was Ankara Day in my institution, and honestly, it felt like a mini cultural festival. The energy, the colours, the vibe, everything was just beautiful. Ankara Day is that one day we all look forward to, where students come together wearing the same fabric called Ankara. It’s a traditional cloth material that is common all over Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba people, which I’m proudly part of.

For those who don’t know, Ankara is more than just a fabric. It’s our identity, it’s our pride, and it’s how we show off our African beauty. The different styles, the creativity, the way we rock it with confidence, it’s something else entirely. Some people think Ankara is old-fashioned, but trust me, when you see the kind of designs we brought out on Saturday, you’ll change your mind fast.

In the morning, I woke up extra early because I didn’t want to rush things. I had already gotten my Ankara outfit ready from the previous week, and I must say, my tailor really did a good job. I wanted something simple but stylish, and she came through for me. My gown was well-fitted with a little flare and some lovely sleeve design that made me feel like a queen.and when I looked in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smile. I felt good.

When I got to school, I wasn’t disappointed. The entire school compound looked like a rainbow of Ankara styles. Everyone looked so beautiful and unique even though we all wore the same material. That’s the thing with Ankara, it allows you to express yourself while still feeling united with others. Boys, girls, lecturers, even some non-teaching staff participated. Some wore agbada, some wore iro and buba, some wore skirts and blouses, and some even styled theirs like suits. The creativity was just too much.

The celebration started properly with some cultural dances. There was talking drum, bata drum and other local instruments that gave the environment a real traditional feel. I saw some of my coursemates performing Yoruba dance steps and I couldn’t help but cheer them. It was just too sweet. After that, we had fashion parades and competitions, best-dressed male and female, best dance performance, and even some little drama performances that made everyone laugh.

To make things more interesting, there was small chops, drinks, and music playing in the background. We all gathered under the trees to gist, take pictures, and just enjoy the moment. I was a little bit disappointed because think I took just few pictures that day not many, lol. Everyone wanted to snap with everyone because we all looked so nice.

What made the day more special to me was the unity it brought. For a moment, we forgot all our stress, assignments, lectures, and other wahala. We were just happy students celebrating our culture. It reminded me how beautiful it is to be African, to be Nigerian, to be Yoruba. Sometimes in school, we’re too focused on the hustle that we forget to appreciate who we are and where we come from.

As I went home that evening, my legs were aching from standing and walking around, but my heart was full. Ankara Day wasn’t just about dressing up, it was a reminder that even in our busy lives, there’s still room for joy, culture, and connection. I’m really grateful to my school for organising such a beautiful event and I honestly can’t wait for the next one.

All photos are mine.