Lagos is set for another major celebration of Nigerian food, music and culture as the Amala & Palm Wine Festival returns to The Stables, Surulere, on Sunday, December 13, 2026.
Following the overwhelming success of its 2025 edition, which attracted more than 2,500 guests, the festival is returning with an even bigger experience and a headline promise that is already generating excitement — the biggest pot of Amala yet.
In a press statement signed by the CEO of HFLA Media Link, Mr Daniel Badru, the 2025 edition was supported by Flyzone Tourism, one of Africa’s leading travel agencies, whose sponsorship helped contribute to the success and visibility of the inaugural festival.
The Amala & Palm Wine Festival celebrates the rich culinary and social heritage of South-Western Nigeria, bringing together food, music, entertainment and community in an atmosphere designed to showcase the best of the region’s culture.
At its heart are two unmistakable elements of Yoruba social life: Amala and palm wine. But the festival goes beyond food and drink. It is an immersive celebration of the stories, traditions, sounds, flavours and communal spirit that have shaped South-Western Nigerian culture for generations.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature an expanded programme of culinary experiences, entertainment and cultural activations, allowing guests to experience the South-West through food, music and lifestyle.
Speaking on the return of the festival, Babatunde Afolabi, CEO of Black Boy Afrika Group and convener of the Amala & Palm Wine Festival, said his passion for African culture was a major inspiration behind the event.
“I love portraying African culture and creating experiences that allow people to see, appreciate and participate in the richness of who we are. The South-West has an incredibly rich heritage, and food is one of the strongest ways we connect with that heritage.”
Reflecting on last year’s turnout, Afolabi said the response demonstrated the growing appetite for authentic African experiences.
“Last year was explosive. Having over 2,500 people come together to celebrate was incredible. It showed us that people genuinely want experiences that connect them with our culture. This year, we are taking it several steps further. We are bringing the biggest pot of Amala yet, bigger entertainment and more experiences, while staying true to what makes our culture special.”
The festival forms part of a growing movement to create modern cultural experiences that preserve African heritage while presenting it in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.
For the organisers, Amala is more than a meal and palm wine is more than a drink. Together, they represent the communal nature of South-Western Nigerian social life — the conversations, music, laughter, hospitality and connections that happen around the table.
The festival will, therefore, serve as a meeting point for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, families, young Nigerians, creatives, entrepreneurs, tourists and members of the wider community.
With the success of the 2025 edition setting a strong benchmark, organisers are expecting thousands of guests to attend this year’s festival.
The Amala & Palm Wine Festival is a cultural and lifestyle event created to celebrate Nigerian food, heritage, music and community, with a particular focus on the rich cultural traditions of South-Western Nigeria.
The 2025 edition attracted over 2,500 guests and was sponsored by Flyzone Tourism, one of Africa’s leading travel agencies.
The 2026 edition will build on that success with an expanded programme and the promise of the biggest pot of Amala yet.
Credit: Leadership
