Religious festivals and ceremonies are more than spiritual expressions; they are vital cultural activities that reflect shared beliefs, foster identity and promote unity among adherents. In Nigeria, where religious and ethnic diversity is profound, these festivals often serve as powerful tools for community bonding and cultural continuity. However, despite their unifying potential, religious interactions are frequently marred by intolerance, conflict and political manipulation, which threaten the peace and development of the nation. This article explores the intersection of religious festivals, social harmony and sustainable development, focusing on how these communal celebrations can be harnessed to foster peace and coexistence among Nigeria’s major religious groups: Christianity, Islam and traditional African religion. Employing a qualitative research approach that includes interviews, document analysis and participant observation, the study investigates the cultural and social significance of religious festivals. Findings reveal that when inclusively celebrated, these festivals create spaces for interfaith dialogue, cultural education and mutual respect. They help reduce prejudices, heal divisions and provide opportunities for collaborative community development. The article argues that policy frameworks and religious leadership should recognise and support these festivals as tools for peacebuilding and national integration. The article concludes that, when properly harnessed, religious festivals have the potential to harmonise communities, mitigate conflicts and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development agenda. Contribution: This study significantly contributes to understanding religious festivals in Nigeria as instruments of peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue and national development. It offers original insights into their ability to enhance social cohesion, mitigate religious tensions and support sustainable progress, thereby enriching both scholarly discourse and policy formulation.
Chioma P. Onuorah (Mon,) studied this question.