The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is a sacred forest dedicated to the Yoruba goddess of fertility, Osun, located along the Osun River in Osogbo, Nigeria. It is one of the last remaining sacred forests in the world that once surrounded most Yoruba cities and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its importance in religion and identity for the Yoruba people worldwide.
- Religious and cultural significance:
The grove is an active religious site with daily, weekly, and monthly worship and is considered sacred for all of Yorubaland and the Yoruba Diaspora. The annual Osun-Osogbo Festival celebrates the goddess of fertility, Osun, renewing a contract between humans and the divine.
- Historical background:
Its history is over 700 years old, and it is named after the river, which is said to be the transformed spirit of the goddess Osun. The grove was saved from extensive urbanization and maintained by artists who have also restored it, giving it new importance.
- Location:It is located just outside the city of Osogbo in Osun State, Nigeria, along the banks of the Osun River.
