Join us for a transformative 3-day Diaspora Experience as part of Ete Dza 2025 (New Yam Festival) — a sacred celebration of gratitude, unity, and ancestral renewal in Hedzranawo–Denu, Volta Region.

The Ete Dza Festival is a centuries-old tradition marking the harvest of the new yam — a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and thanksgiving to the ancestors. This year’s theme, “Honoring the Harvest, Restoring Our Roots,” invites members of the African Diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral homeland through culture, ceremony, and community engagement.

Experience the rhythm of the drums, taste the first fruits of the harvest, and stand together in unity as we honor the ancestors and celebrate the spirit of return.

• Traditional Sprinkling of Yam ceremony

• Grand Durbar featuring traditional dances, drumming, and colorful royal displays.

• Community Give-Back Day and Fellowship Dinner

• Spiritual cleansings, guidance, and divinations / readings (optional)

• Local excursions to Denu, Keta, and Hohoe areas of Volta Region

• Launch of Diaspora Restoration Initiatives anchored in indigenous spiritual wisdom

What to Bring:

• Passport & Ghana Card

• Comfortable Clothing

• White Fabric for wrapping (2 & 3 yard pieces)

• Insect repellant

• Closed-toe walking shoes

• Open toe sandals

• Gratitude Offering (yams, drinks, optional donation, etc.)

• Prayer requests and names of your ancestors (optional)

We understand that travel plans can change. However, due to the advance arrangements made with local partners, accommodations, and vendors, all bookings are subject to the following terms:

• Cancellations made on or before November 14, 2025:
  You’ll receive a 50% refund, minus any processing or vendor fees.

• Cancellations after November 14, 2025:
  We’re unable to issue refunds, as local vendors and hosts will have been fully confirmed.

• No-shows or same-day cancellations:
  Unfortunately, these are non-refundable.

If an emergency or travel issue prevents you from attending, you may transfer your booking to another guest (with written approval).

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work closely with local communities to make this cultural experience meaningful and seamless for all participants.

Arrive in the evening and check into your accommodations. Take time to unwind and meet your community host, who will serve as your local guide and cultural liaison throughout the festival.

At 8:00 PM, join the community for the Ete Dza Night Vigil — an unforgettable evening of drumming, dancing, song, and invocation of the ancestors in preparation for the sacred offerings and celebrations to follow. The vigil continues late into the night as the community gathers in spiritual unity and anticipation of the harvest rites.

Sprinkling of Yam Ceremony (Morning)
The morning begins with the Sprinkling of Yam Ceremony, a sacred ritual offering the first fruits of the harvest to the ancestors in gratitude and reverence. Bring your offerings of yam, drinks (gin, schnapps, or sprite), and/or money at your discretion. Our offerings are presented to our guiding spirits and are multiplied to open ways for the new year ahead.

Free Time (Afternoon)

After the morning ceremony, enjoy free time at your leisure — explore the town of Denu, relax, or participate in spiritual readings and divinations offered by local practitioners.

Grand Durbar Celebration (Afternoon-late)
In the afternoon, the community gathers for the Grand Durbar of Chiefs and People — a magnificent display of traditional regalia, royal processions, cultural performances, and communal thanksgiving. The Durbar will also feature the launch of Diaspora Restoration Initiatives, created to help members of the diaspora restore identity and reconnect with their ancestral roots.

Experiences:

• Community Give-Back Day (Morning)
  In the spirit of gratitude and restoration, diaspora guests will join the Community Give-Back Day — supporting local schools and feeding programs. Participants are encouraged to bring school supplies, food items, or donations to help uplift the community.

• Explore Keta Township (Afternoon)
  Travel to Keta, a historic coastal town known for its deep ancestral roots and natural beauty. Highlights may include visits to:

  • Fort Prinzenstein, a historic monument and site of memory from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

  • Keta Lagoon, a breathtaking natural reserve that sustains local fishing traditions.

  • Keta Beach, where you'll unwind and enjoy a relaxed seaside afternoon.

• Gratitude Dinner (Evening)
  Conclude the day with a Gratitude Dinner — a shared meal of thanksgiving, storytelling, and reflection with local community members. Together, we honor the ancestors, celebrate unity, and give thanks for the journey.

Hohoe Excursion
Embark on a full-day excursion to Hohoe in the Volta Highlands. The trip includes stops at several scenic and cultural sites such as:

• Palm Oil Tapping / Palm Wine Making local experience

• Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, home to sacred Mona monkeys revered by locals.

• Wli Waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in West Africa.

Enjoy a day of adventure, reflection, and connection with nature before returning in the evening.