Kano Durbar Festival: Nigeria's Most Spectacular Horseparade

A celebration of northern Nigeria's cultural treasure
The Kano Durbar is the largest procession of colorful horses in the world. It has evolved with the history, culture and tradition of the people of Kano over a period of time. It marks the Islamic holidays Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.

The word 'Durbar' comes from Hindi-Urdu 'darbar' - dar meaning door and bar meaning entry or audience.

The history
The Durbar festival dates back to over 200 years when horses were used in warfare to protect the Emirate. Each noble household was expected to defend the emirate by performing a regiment. Once a year, the regiments would gather for a military parade to demonstrate allegiance to the Emir, by showcasing their horsemanship, readiness for war and loyalty.

Symbols of royal linage
The procession is strictly men only dressed in magnificent robes and turbans, many with one 'ear' or two sticking out denoting their royal linage.

Turbans
The turban is a symbol of prestige and royalty. The men at the Durbar festival adorn themselves with different colors of turbans.

Music and rhythm
The Durbar festival is filled with spectacular traditional bazaar of African music. Rhythm of the traditional music instruments fill the air.

Hawan Sarki
The Durbar Festival unfolds over four days of grandeur, horsemanship and equestrian parades. Beginning with Hawan Sallah - the Festival Riding, Hawan Daushe, Hawan Nassarawa, and ends with Hawan Doriya. Hawan Daushe is the most intriguing and impressive part of the Durbar celebration, it also features the 'Jahi' the focus of spectators from around the world.

Hawan Daushe
The Hawan Daushe commences as the Emir and his entourage ride out of Gidan Rumfa - the Emir's Palace, through Kofar Kwaru to Baddan Daki - the palace of the Queen Mother, where he pays homage to his mother.

Baddan Daki
The Emir arrives Baddan Daki, He disembark from his horse and enters the house that is hosting his mother for special greetings. Visitors from far and near enter to greet the Emir.

Cultural Display
The energetic performance by traditional dancers, drummers, masquerades, musicians and stunt men add color and excitement to the festival.

Sustaining Tradition
Young and old participate to ensure tradition is sustained through generations.

The Jahi
The Emir and his entourage ride through a series of quarters that are home to historically important families and then return to the palace at the Kofar Kudu gate for the Jahi - the salute by the horsemen.

Paying respect to the Emir
The Emir take his position on arrival at the front of the gate facing outward.

Waves of riders charge towards him, only to pull aside directly in front of him in a cavalry salute.

Loyalty and Valor
The district heads, their families and entourage begin the traditional greetings in a hierarchical order. Spectators and riders display their loyalty and valor before the Emir.

District Heads
District heads in Kano attend the Durbar festival to pay homage to the Emir and to reaffirm their loyalty to the emirate. The Durbar festival unites the people, bringing them together in a cultural and historical heritage celebration.

Gun Salute
After the Jahi, the Palace guards march into position where they fire several gunshots into the air, signifying the end of Hawan Daushe Durbar.