Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities

Wrestling in Igbo land is not merely a sport but a means of preserving and passing down cultural traditions from one generation to the next. It embodies the core values of the Igbo people, such as bravery, resilience, and unity. By engaging in wrestling, young Igbo individuals gain a deeper understanding of their heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity. The objectives of this study are to analyse the dramatic elements and ritual contents of the Igbo traditional wrestling festival. The study was accomplished through a combination of interviews and participant observation. Historical facts that surround wrestling festivals were obtained through interviews with elders of the people, including the Igwes (community leaders). The data collected were subjected to both textual and structural analysis, using the thematic approach and transcription method. The analysis was done descriptively based on the objectives of the study. The findings of the study revealed that Igbo wrestling festival is significant as it symbolises strength, skill, and communal unity, Traditional wrestling events are culturally important, serving as a rite of passage for young men and a means of gaining social status. Igbo traditional wrestling festival also reflects the values of competition and honour within the Igbo society, highlighting the community’s appreciation for physical prowess and tradition. The study further established that the Igbo wrestling festival is deeply intertwined with spiritual beliefs and rituals. Before matches, wrestlers often partake in traditional ceremonies and prayers to seek divine favour and protection. These rituals add a spiritual dimension to the sport, establishing the connection between physical prowess and metaphysical forces. The study also discovered that Igbo traditional wrestling festivals showcase the following dramatic elements: actors, costume, arena (obom), audience, plot, spectacle and props. It is, therefore, a traditional drama. It has a storyline, and there is drumming and dancing accompanying the wrestling bouts.