What is an owambe? The guest's guide to Nigerian parties

What does owambe mean?

"Owambe" comes from a Yoruba phrase roughly meaning "it is there", as in "the party is there". It describes the big, colourful parties Yoruba families are famous for: weddings, milestone birthdays, burials (celebrations of life), house-warmings and naming ceremonies. December is peak owambe season, because families plan events when relatives are home.

What happens at an owambe?

1. Arrival: guests arrive in aso-ebi, greet the hosts and find their table.
2. Food: jollof and fried rice, small chops, asun, moi moi, meat and drinks.
3. Music: a live band (juju or fuji) or a DJ keeps the dance floor full.
4. The celebrants' dance: the couple or celebrant dances in, and guests join them.
5. Spraying: guests celebrate the celebrant by showering them with cash on the dance floor.
6. Souvenirs: guests often leave with a small gift from the hosts.

What is aso-ebi?

Aso-ebi is the matching fabric chosen by the hosts for family and friends to wear. Guests buy the fabric (or a ready-made outfit) and have it tailored. Wearing it shows you're part of the celebration.

• Women often wear it with a gele (head wrap).
• Men often wear agbada or a buba and sokoto, sometimes with a fila (cap).
• If you don't have aso-ebi, wear something smart in a complementary colour and ask the host what's acceptable.

Spraying money: what to know

Spraying money is a joyful tradition, but be aware that Nigeria's Central Bank Act treats spraying or mishandling naira notes as an offence, and there have been prosecutions. Follow the host's lead: at many events, guests hand cash to a designated person, use envelopes, or give by bank transfer instead.

Owambe etiquette: 8 rules

1. Wear the aso-ebi if you've been given one.
2. Greet elders and the hosts properly.
3. Bring a gift or put cash in an envelope.
4. Don't arrive too early: things often start late.
5. Eat what's served, and try the jollof.
6. Dance with the celebrants when invited.
7. Don't take the souvenir twice.
8. Say thank you to the hosts before you leave.