Welcome

New details coming soon!

The Festival


What is it?

This harvest festival is celebrated by the Ga people from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.It begins with the sowing of millet by the traditional priests in May. After this, thirty-day ban on drumming is imposed on the land by the priests.The festival is highlighted at varying times by different quarters of the Ga tribe. The Ga-mashie group of the tribe will celebrate theirs' a little earlier than the La group.

Homowo recounts the migration of the Gas and reveals their agricultural success in their new settlement. According to Ga oral tradition, a severe famine broke out among the people during their migration to present day Accra. They were inspired by the famine to embark on massive food production exercises which eventually yielded them bumper harvest.

Their hunger ended and with great joy they “hooted at hunger” this is the meaning of the word homowo. The festival also celebrates fertility and the blessings of twins. It is referred to traditionally as ‘Yeyeeye’ or ‘Akwele Suma’ and takes place on a specific day when all twins from Ga Mashie (the Ga communities) are dressed in white and paraded around town.

What is the cost?

Entry is free to everyone!

When is it?

The festival will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024.

What can you expect if you attend?

  • African Dancing
  • African Drumming
  • Vendors
  • Crafts
  • Food
  • Celebration and Ceremony

Where is it?

King School Park in Portland, Oregon

Vendor Instructions

If you are a vendor at the festival please bring a signed copy of the Nonfood Vendor Agreement and $75 during the day of the event.

Schedule

TimeEvent
1:00 PMWelcome and Announcements (Komi Kalevor, President, Homowo & Twins Foundation)
1:10-1:30Twins Festival (food: oto – white yam, red yam, eggs)
1:35-2:05Nii Ardey Allotey and Friends, featuring Brian L. Davis and members of Bloco Alegria, Lions of Batucada, and Pink Martini
2:10-2:20Storytelling by Habiba Addo
2:25-3:30Homowo Festival (food: kpekple – corn meal, okra, seasoned palm oil, palmnut soup)Dances: Bintin, Kpele, Otu, Tigari, Ngowula
3:30-4:00Storytelling by Habiba Addo, Drum jam
4:05-5:00Virginia Lopez and Melao de Cuba

Homowo & Twins Foundation

More details about the foundation coming soon!