The Historic Hogbetsotso festival

The Historic Hogbetsotso is a festival celebrated by the people Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana.Festivals are occasions celebrated to mark a significant events in the history of a particular society.

Hogbetsotso festival is celebrated to  remember the migration of the Ewe’s from their original home, Notsie.

Historically,the people of Eweland once lived in Notsie but due to harsh treatment they encountered from King Agorkoli, they decided to run away from the King’s territory for better settlement for peace in order to continue their economic activities.

They moved all the way from Notsie to settle around the mouth of the Lake Volta.

Hogbetsotso is the festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Anlo in the Volta region of Ghana.

Some major Anlo towns include Anloga, Keta, Kedzi, Vodza, Vuti, Srogboe, Tegbi, Dzita, Abor, Afiadenyigba, Anyako, Konu, Alakple, Atito, Atiavi, Devego, Atorkor and Tsiame.

The name of the festival is derived from the Ewe language and translates as, the festival of exodus or “coming from Hogbe”

During this festival, you will experience the power of Ewe unity. They sing war songs, the crowd cheers, the drums beat to the rythm of “Husago” and other dance.These activities show victories and excitement to be free from hatred.

Ewes may be scattered around the regions of Ghana but the history connect in their heart and spirits.

Hogbetsotso is celebrated on the first Saturday of the month of November every year. The festival is to commerate the bravely of their traditional leaders rulers who sacrifice from King Agorkoli.

The festival begins with clean up exercise. The whole community are swept and bush areas are cleared to improve proper sanitation in the community.

The essential aspect of the festival is the grand durbar of chiefs and people.

Abdaza their popular dance is performed to welcome the paramount chief and other council elders.

Chiefs dress in their colourful Kente and sit in State to receive homage from their subjects.

‘Husago’ is also a dance performed at Hobgetsotso festival to remarks the historic escape by Anlo from Notsie.

The Historic Hogbetsotso festival brings peace, unity and harmony among the people of Anlo.