Adelaide is set to witness one of the grandest cultural spectacles of the year as the Igbo Community of South Australia (ICSA) announces its much-anticipated 2025 New Yam “Iwa Ji/Iri Ji” Festival, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 5th October 2025, at the Goodwood Community Centre Hall in Goodwood, Adelaide, South Australia.
This year’s celebration will be particularly historic as it will be the very first New Yam Festival held under the leadership of ICSA’s new President, Mr. Joseph Amaefuna, and the community has promised an event that will be remembered for years to come.
According to the Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnaemeka Umenzeakor, the festival is not just a ceremony but a turning point that will reaffirm Igbo cultural values while also strengthening bonds with multicultural and inter-ethnic communities across South Australia.
The Iwa Ji/Iri Ji Festival, which literally translates to “Yam Harvest,” is a centuries-old Igbo tradition that symbolizes thanksgiving, abundance, renewal, and hope for the future. At its heart is the ritual of cutting and eating yam, a deeply spiritual act that has evolved into a global celebration of culture, unity, and heritage. In preparation for this year’s event, Mr. Umenzeakor has led several community engagement initiatives, including a landmark visit to the South Australian Caribbean Community. These relationship-building efforts are already bearing fruit and will culminate in the unveiling of a formidable cultural partnership during the festival itself.
The guest list is expected to be distinguished and colourful, with confirmed attendance/representation from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Hon. Zoe Bettison MP; President of the South Australian Caribbean Community, Shaquille Hibbert; Executive members of the Nigerian Association of South Australia; the African Communities Council of South Australia; as well as other notable leaders.
The day itself promises to be a thrilling blend of tradition and celebration. Igbo elders, titled men and women, alongside state and local leaders, will lead the Iri Ji/Iwa Ji ceremony. Guests will be treated to electrifying traditional dances, including the famous Igbo War Dance, as well as an arts and crafts exhibition showcasing Igbo creativity. Past presidents of ICSA will be honoured for their service, while children and youth will present proudly in the Igbo language.
Traditional Igbo wrestling will add excitement to the occasion, delicious Igbo cuisines will be freshly prepared and served, and the night will climax with music and dance powered by a seasoned DJ.
Members and well-wishers are encouraged to support the community by making their annual due payments and booking their tickets which is available online at https://orie.market/events/iri-ji-new-yam-festival-op1qC.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Umenzeakor described the upcoming 2025 New Yam Festival of the Igbo Community of South Australia as more than just an event, calling it to be a living testament of heritage, a cultural handshake of unity, and a thanksgiving celebration of life and abundance. The Igbo Community of South Australia extends a warm invitation to all, urging people from every background to join them on Sunday, 5th October 2025, at the Goodwood Community Centre Hall in Adelaide, South Australia for an unforgettable evening of culture, thanksgiving, and celebration.