Holiday in Onitsha

About Onitsha

Onitsha is located on the eastern bank of the majestic Niger River in southeastern Nigeria and is primarily known for one thing: the Onitsha Main Market — the largest market in Africa and one of the largest in the world. The city in Anambra Province is a vibrant trading and cultural center of the Igbo people, whose entrepreneurial spirit shapes the entire region. The Onitsha Main Market spans several hectares and houses thousands of stalls across multiple floors: from textiles and electronics to food and cosmetics, as well as spare parts and traditional handicrafts, literally everything can be found here. The sheer size and energy of the market are overwhelming — hundreds of thousands of people trade here daily, and the buzz of voices can be heard from afar. The Niger Bridge connects Onitsha with Asaba on the western side of the river and is one of the busiest bridges in West Africa. The view of the Niger from the bridge is impressive: the third-longest river in Africa is several hundred meters wide here and carries fishing boats, cargo barges, and ferries. The Igbo culture of Onitsha is rich in traditions: The Ofala Festival, celebrated annually by the Obi (traditional king) of Onitsha, is a colorful spectacle featuring masked dances, drumming, and processions. The masquerade tradition of the Igbo, where intricately carved masks represent spirits and ancestors, is UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and is particularly vibrant in Onitsha. The Upper Iweka district and New Market Road are the bustling centers of daily life, where street food stalls, music clubs, and small craft businesses shape the cityscape. The Nigerian Nollywood film industry has its roots in Igbo land, and Onitsha remains a center of film production to this day.