Nigeria has many holidays that are non-religious, usually having to do with Tribal practices and customs. There are many Folk celebrations, as well as Popular ones. They can range from celebrations held to honor the start of a harvest, to one in which a big fishing competition is held. Some examples are the following:
Folk Festivals and Celebrations:
Argungu Fishing Festival: This festival takes four days, held in the northwestern state of Kebbi. In this celebration, hand made nets are used by thousands of fisherman, who all compete in the Sokoto River to catch the largest fish.
Calabar Carnival: In this month long celebration, different cultural events commence each day. These include dancing, singing, art, and many other practices. Ranging from December 1-31, this event has been deemed Nigeria's "Largest and Longest Street Party."
March and September equinox: The March and September equinox is a seasonal holiday, obviously occurring twice a year. This commences when the sun shines directly on the Equator so that the day and the night are of equal length. This holiday is used to celebrate new beginnings.
Popular Festivals and Celebrations:
Labor Day (Also known as Worker's Day): Labor day was adopted by Nigeria, from influence from the rest of the world. It is used to celebrate workers, and give them a day off from their jobs.
New Years: New Years Day was adopted by Nigeria due to connections and communications with the rest of the world. This holiday celebrates the beginning of the new year, and it is tradition to make "resolutions" to try to complete by the next start of the year.
Democracy Day: This holiday, usually occurring on Sunday, May 29th, commemorates the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.
Independence Day: This holiday celebrates Nigeria's independence from Great Britain in 1960.