The boat regatta is the aquatic display of the tradition and culture of the riverine communities of the state. Flotilas of boats are assembled in columns to display scenes depicting the naval prowess and exploits of the brave men in ancient times. As a cultural event, boat regattas can be ceremonial or competitive. Cultural regattas are usually staged as passage rites for departed kings or as part of the significant ceremony for the coronation of a new king or prominent chief. Communities may also stage a boat regatta to welcome visiting very important dignitaries, like Governors and Presidents. The competitive boat regatta is a social event for the entertainment of spectators during National or State Cultural festivals where different participating communities or local government areas slug it out for prizes and honors.
Two types of boats are generally put on during festivals: the ceremonial boat, known locally as “Alali-aru” or a war- canoe boat called ‘Omuaru’. The ceremonial boats are colorfully decorated just as the paddlers are also elegantly dressed. In contrast, a typical war-canoe boat is usually lightly decorated, fitted with cannons and palm fronds at the front and rear ends of the boat, while the paddlers are attired in black or dark clothes, which depicts its purpose that is a vessel set on war expedition.
During the race, the boats speed in columns in response to the unique rowing skills and dexterity of the paddlers accompanied with drumming, singing and chanting, the excited crowd of spectators take turns to cheer whenever their favourite boat sailed into view to make their presentation, sometimes including the detonation of cannons balls attached to the boats. Whenever and wherever it is staged, boat regattas usually attract people from all over the country and beyond to gather at the bank of the river to watch the tradition on display.
Agbara Masquerade of Okrika Local Government Area
“As the war canoe drills through the waters, its twenty paddlers bellow battle chants and songs with dramatic fervor. Like spears, their black-painted oars slice in and out of the tidal waters, as clusters of palm fronds fringing the rims of the boat sway and sweep to the rhythm of the passing wind. The whole creek turns into a fashion-runway of loaded canoes in an instant, all bedecked with elaborate dressings and fittings of colourful materials, each boat belonging to a tribe partaking in the Boat Regatta.”
In Pictures are:
- Bonny Boat Regatta
- War boat of Degema Local Government Area
- Gokana Local Government Area Boat Regatta
- Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area Boat Regatta
- War Canoe of Okrika Local Government Area
- Andoni Local Government Area Boat Regatta
- Asari Toru Local Government Area: (Ceremonial Boat)
- Akuku Toru Local Government Area Boat Regatta
- Asari Toru Local Government Area Boat Regatta
