Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into a world filled with colourful dances, tasty food, and beautiful traditional clothes? Well, let me take you on an exciting journey to meet THE BEROM PEOPLE of Plateau State, Nigeria.
The Berom (sometimes also spelt ‘Birom’) people are some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet. They live in Jos, a lovely city in Plateau State, and they are known for being peaceful and welcoming.
With a population of over 3.5 million, the Berom people make up the largest group in their state. What makes them truly special is how they keep their traditions alive through amazing celebrations.
Every year, usually between the months of April and May, something magical happens. The Berom people come together to celebrate the Nzem Berom Festival.
This is not just any party; it is a grand celebration that brings families together and teaches children about their history. The Nzem Berom festival happens when the rainy season begins and people pray for good farm produce.
The Nzem Berom festival takes place at the Rwang Pam Stadium, which is usually decorated in beautiful colours of red, green and black.
These are not just pretty colours; they have special meanings for the Berom people. Green represents the cactus plants in their area, whilst maroon/red stands for a local powder called “tee” that helps with pain and protection, and black stands for fertile soil.
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Dances that tell Stories
When you visit the Nzem Berom Festival, the first thing that catches your eyes is the dancing! The Berom people perform traditional dances that tell stories about their ancestors.
Dancers wear stunning costumes and move to the rhythm of drums and local music. Each dance during the Nzem Berom Festival has its own meaning. Some of the dances celebrate good harvests, others honour brave warriors and some simply show joy and happiness.
Children learn these dances from their grandparents, keeping the traditions alive for future generations. The movements are graceful yet powerful, showing the strength and spirit of the Berom people.
Delicious Traditional Foods and Cultural Displays
No festival is complete without amazing food! The Berom people prepare special mouthwatering dishes. They serve Tere, a tasty local meal, along with Nama Dyara and Gbwirik Chun.
These delicacies are not just delicious; they are part of the Berom culture and have been enjoyed by families for hundreds of years.
The preparation of these meals brings communities together. Women gather to cook whilst sharing stories and laughter, teaching younger girls the secret recipes of the meals, which are therefore passed down through generations.
The festival also features the exciting Zere Berom Pageantry, where young women showcase the beauty and grace of Berom culture.
Contestants wear traditional attires and demonstrate their knowledge of customs and traditions. This is not just about looks, it is about celebrating the wisdom and strength of Berom women throughout history.
The Grand Entrance of the Gbong Gwom Jos
The most thrilling moment comes when the Gbong Gwom Jos, the traditional ruler of the Berom people, makes his grand entrance.
Everyone stands with respect, as this important leader arrives. People from different communities come forward to pay their respects, creating a beautiful display of unity and tradition.
Final Thought
The Nzem Berom Festival shows us the importance of celebrating our roots and learning from our elders. It is a wonderful reminder that traditions can bring people together and create lasting memories for children and adults alike.
Read also: Why Cultural Festivals Matter to Northern Children
