By Seli Baisie
The Hogbetsotso Za is in full swing today, November 2, 2024 at Hogbe Park in Anloga, in the Volta Region of Ghana.
This year’s event, themed “Strengthening Bonds and Embracing Our Shared Heritage,” highlights a unique blend of tradition and celebration among the Anlo Ewe people. Here, we explore what makes Hogbetsotso a powerful reminder of resilience and culture.
What is Hogbetsotso?
Hogbetsotso, meaning “Festival of Crossing Over,” commemorates the Anlo people’s historic journey to freedom. Pronounced as “Hogbechocho,” it derives from three Ewe words: “Ho” (to move), “Gbe” (day), and “Tsotso” (crossing over). Each year, Hogbetsotso brings together Anlo towns, including Keta, Kedzi, Whuti, and others, to remember their ancestors’ escape from the rule of King Agokoli in Notsie, now part of Togo. This escape, over 400 years ago, was a defining moment for the Ewe people and remains at the heart of the festival.
A Journey to Freedom
The story behind Hogbetsotso is a tale of resilience. According to Ewe oral history, the people endured oppression under Agokoli’s harsh rule and decided to leave. To do so, they secretly weakened the fortress walls by pouring water on them until, on an appointed night, they successfully fled. Some walked backward to mislead their pursuers, eventually finding refuge along Ghana’s coastal region. Today, Hogbetsotso celebrates this journey from bondage to freedom, paying homage to the courage and unity that defined the Ewe people.
Why Hogbetsotso Za Matters
Hogbetsotso is more than a festival; it’s a time of cultural reflection and unity. The festival emphasizes peace, reconciliation, and gratitude for the journey. Traditional customs like sweeping Anlo towns symbolize cleansing, unity, and a fresh start. This act, performed by elders and community members, embodies the Anlo people’s desire to remove past conflicts and misfortune.
What to Expect at Hogbetsotso Za
Each November, Hogbetsotso brings together thousands of people in an energetic display of Anlo heritage. Events begin with the sweeping ceremony, followed by traditional activities and rituals. Key highlights include the grand durbar of chiefs, where Anlo royals in colourful regalia pay homage to the paramount chief, Awomefia. The durbar is a visual spectacle featuring traditional music, drums, and the famous Agbadza dance—a war dance symbolizing strength and joy, now enjoyed by all ages.
Throughout the week, visitors can experience beauty pageants, sports events, and workshops. A vibrant marketplace atmosphere also allows local artisans to showcase their work, supporting local businesses. Beyond tradition, Hogbetsotso has evolved to include new forms of engagement, making it appealing to both locals and visitors from around the world.
Cultural Significance of Hogbetsotso Za
Hogbetsotso is a festival rich in symbolic meaning. The sweeping of towns is more than a literal act; it represents a spiritual cleansing for the Anlo people, promoting reconciliation and harmony. Pouring libation is another key ritual, asking for ancestral blessings and protection, strengthening the bond between the past and the present.
The festival also celebrates Anlo identity through attire, music, and dance. Kente cloth, traditionally worn during the festival, narrates Anlo history through its intricate patterns and colours, symbolizing pride and legacy. Agbadza dance and drumming carry rhythms and movements that connect today’s generation with their ancestors, keeping cultural heritage alive.
A Time for Reflection
As Ghana’s cultural calendar continues to grow, Hogbetsotso remains a pillar of tradition and community for the Anlo people. It provides a time to honour the past, unite in the present, and look to the future. Through its activities and rituals, the festival fosters a sense of belonging, not only for the Anlo people but for all who join in this cultural journey.
Hogbetsotso teaches lessons of resilience, unity, and peace. By honouring heritage while embracing modernity, it’s a powerful reminder of how tradition can serve as both an anchor and a bridge to the future.
