Igbo Community in Austria Lights Up Vienna with Colourful Cultural Parade
Celebrating unity through tradition: Nigeria’s Igbo diaspora transformed Vienna’s streets into a vibrant display of African heritage and cultural diplomacy.
October 09th, 2025
From 16 July to 19 December 2025, the Japanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB) will celebrate its 40th anniversary with the exhibition “Art from Tradition to Modernity.” Selected works from the JDZB’s collection will be on display, offering a profound insight into both traditional and contemporary expressions of Japanese art. The exhibition will take place at the Japanese-German Center Berlin, Saargemünder Straße 2, 14195 Berlin.
Organised by the Igbo Cultural Society (ICS), the carnival served as a joyful expression of identity and unity for Africans, Nigerians, and particularly Igbos living in Austria. Participants dressed in flamboyant traditional attire, moving to the pulse of rhythmic drumming and graceful dance steps that captivated onlookers along the parade route.
The procession began at the Nigerian Embassy in Vienna on Rennweg 25 and made its way through Schwarzenbergplatz to Resselpark at Karlsplatz, where the festivities reached a grand finale. The programme opened with the ceremonial presentation of the kola nut—a sacred symbol of hospitality in Igbo tradition—by ICS Chairman Chief Anthony Egwuibe, followed by libations offered by an Igbo elder to honour the ancestors.
A keynote address was delivered by Mr. Muyiwa Onifade, Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy and Permanent Mission of Nigeria in Vienna, underscoring the importance of cultural diplomacy and community cohesion. Traditional performances such as the Ohafia war dance, masquerade displays, and the rhythmic elegance of Igbo women’s dance enthralled both Africans and Austrians in attendance.
The ICS executive team, including Secretary Prince Ifeanyi Obi-Iwuchukwu, Social Secretary Mazi Francis Okpata, and Vice Chairman Engr. Vincent Nzekwe, coordinated the day’s activities, ensuring a seamless celebration that concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks.
Beyond the colourful regalia and captivating performances, the carnival represented a deeper message of connection—linking the Igbo diaspora in Europe to their ancestral roots. For many attendees, it was a moment of nostalgia, pride, and cultural renewal.
As the sun set over Vienna that evening, laughter, drumming, and the aroma of African cuisine lingered in the air—a testament to the enduring spirit of a people whose culture continues to inspire warmth, resilience, and unity wherever they go.
