Open Itadogun
Monthly worship according to the indigenous Yoruba spirituality, including praying, singing, dancing and eating
Marking the International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Friends of Yoruba Culture e.V.in Germany will hold an Open Itadogun (monthly worship) according to the Ifá system of knowledge, orally transmitted from generation to generation by the ethnic group of the Yoruba in Southwestern Nigeria with the town Ile Ife as it is starting point. The Ifá divination system was inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in 2008. All rituals used during the Itadogun in Germany have been transmitted to Ifá priestesses in Germany by High Ifa and Osun priest and spiritual head of the annual Osun festival in Osogbo/Nigeria Prince Babalawo Adigun Olayiwola-Olosun.
The practice and knowledge system of Ifá is hardly known in Germany. In general only Ifá practitioners join the Itadogun in Germany. By opening it to the public on the Day of International Cultural Heritage Friends of Yoruba Culture e.V. gives the possibility of watching or/and participating in indigenous rites, singing and dancing as part of the indigenous Yoruba spirituality in Germany. All activities of the Itadogun aim at each individual to reach his/her potential in life and for the world to develop in a constructive, good and peaceful way. As contribution to intercultural dialogue and understanding there will be brief explanations in between of the different elements of worship.
Everybody from any cultural background with interest in the indigenous way of practicing Ifá is welcome. People with Yoruba origin can also use the Itadogun to (re-)connect to their spiritual source. Children under 14 ys are asked to be accompanied by their parents.
The Itadogun includes indigenous elements of communicating with the spiritual world such as prayers with cola nuts and bitter cola, dancing and singing Irunmole songs and sharing food with Irunmole.
Practical information
The Open Itadogun will take place on Sunday, 19 October 2025 as from 2:30 p.m.to 5 pm
Kreuzstraße 3, 53343 Wachtberg, Germany.
Registration is required till 17 October 2025 via e-mail to: friendsofyorubaculture@gmail.com
Text as provided by the organiser(s).