Ayerye Festival is an annual festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Akyemfo Nankesedo of the Nkusukum Traditional Area in Saltpond in the Central Region of Ghana. [1] [2] [3] It is usually celebrated in the month of November. [4] [5] [6] The people of Ekumfi Narkwa also celebrate this festival. [7] The people of Enyam-Maim also celebrate this festival. [8]
During the festival, visitors are welcomed to share food and drinks. The people put on traditional clothes, and there is a durbar — a public reception — of chiefs. [9] [10] There is also dancing and drumming. [11]
This festival is celebrated to mark an event that took place in the past. [12] It is also celebrated to honor their ancestors who fought their way from the Ghana Empire to Techiman and later to their current settlement after going through toils and tribulations. [1] It is also to remind the people of their community it is safe from wicked intruders and the need for them to be vigilant. [13]