Stories and facts
The Kloyosikplemi Festival is an annual celebration by the chiefs and people of Yilo Krobo in Somanya, located in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
Observed every November, the festival was instituted in 1992 to commemorate the centenary of the Krobo people's eviction from their ancestral home on the Krobo Mountain.
The name "Kloyosikplemi," which translates to "The Descent from Krobo Mountain," reflects this historical significance.
Krobo Mountain holds deep cultural and historical importance for the Krobo people. For hundreds of years, it served as their home and a sacred ritual center.
Although much of the original Krobo settlements on the mountain were destroyed by British forces, the site remains a place of spiritual reverence and pilgrimage, especially during special festivals.
The Kloyosikplemi Festival begins with a homecoming, as Krobo people from all over Ghana and beyond return to their ancestral towns.
This communal gathering sets the stage for a series of traditional activities, starting with a town-wide clean-up exercise that fosters unity and a shared sense of purpose.
A highlight of the festival is the pilgrimage to Krobo Mountain, known locally as Klowem. Before ascending the mountain, priests perform libation rituals to spiritually cleanse the path.
The pilgrimage itself is a symbolic journey, connecting the people with their heritage and honoring their ancestors. Upon descending the mountain, the community gathers for a mini durbar filled with dancing, music, and other forms of entertainment.
The celebrations culminate in the Grand Durbar held the following Saturday. This grand event brings together the entire community, including chiefs and priestesses, for a vibrant display of Krobo culture.
The durbar features reenactments of the 1892 eviction, traditional dances, and various forms of entertainment that celebrate the resilience and rich heritage of the Krobo people.
The Kloyosikplemi Festival is more than a commemoration; it is a vibrant expression of the Krobo identity, a celebration of unity, and a homage to a shared history that continues to inspire the community.
Explore the list of various festivals celebrated in Ghana below.
