Port Harcourt is gearing up for another thrilling edition of Garri Fest, the beloved festival that brings together culture, community, fashion, food, and fun.
Garri is a flour made from processed cassava, commonly consumed in West Africa, particularly Nigeria. It can be prepared as a meal by adding hot water to form a dough (eba) or by soaking the raw granules in cold water with sugar, milk, and other additions to be drunk.
The festival scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Model Secondary School Field, beside Polo Club, GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the festival kicks off at 12:00 p.m., promising an unforgettable cultural experience.
With the theme “Connecting People with Culture,” Garri Fest 2025 celebrates Nigeria’s rich traditions while fostering unity and togetherness.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Atlantic Bell, the convener of the festival, Emeka Okwara, assured that all is set to host the over 5,000 visitors expected at the venue.
Okwara stated that with the massive support of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and other sponsors, the festival aims at keeping Rivers State in the limelight for good reasons.
He said the festival will feature garri tasting contests, lively cultural dance performances, dazzling fashion showcases, artisan markets that sell only things that complement garri, and live music, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of flavor, creativity, and entertainment.
“There will not be rice, beans, roasted plantain (bolle), and all those other stuff. It’s purely about garri, which we expect from the different agricultural zones of the state,” Okwara told The Atlantic Bell.
The convener assured visitors that they would be able to buy the best of the product as they carefully chose the vendors and reduced their participation fee to enable them sell at a reduced rate to the people.
While still appealing for more sponsorship from companies and individuals in Rivers State, Okwara assured that enough security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the convenience of all visitors.
One special attendee shared their excitement ahead of the festival: “Garri is beyond class, it is culture. It’s what makes our childhood feel relatable and that is why I will not stand for any garri slander.”
These words capture why Garri Fest resonates so deeply. Garri is more than food; it is a cultural touchstone that connects generations, evokes nostalgia, and celebrates the shared experiences that unite Nigerians. The festival’s mission is to promote local food, especially garri, while supporting creativity, indigenous cultures, and community spirit. Organizers hope to make Garri Fest a well-known annual celebration that brings joy, fosters learning, and strengthens community bonds.
More than a festival, Garri Fest is a platform for growth and discovery. It supports local businesses, gives young people a chance to showcase their talents, and brings communities closer together, all while helping attendees explore Nigeria’s rich culinary heritage and way of life.
Chefs, vendors, and artisans will showcase their skills, offering festival-goers a taste of authentic flavors and creative products from across Rivers State. The event is open to everyone, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in colourful traditional attire, ready to eat, dance, and immerse themselves in the celebration of culture.
With excitement building across social media and throughout the city, Garri Fest 2025 promises to be the biggest and most vibrant edition yet, connecting people through food, culture, and creativity, one bowl of garri at a time.
By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi
