Masquerades in Ghana

In Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana, a long-standing masquerade tradition known locally as Fancy Dress or Kakamotobi takes place during Christmas and New Year. This festival has roots in early encounters with European (Dutch and British) traders, whose masked celebrations influenced local coastal communities, including those in nearby Saltpond. In the 1920s, locals like Janka Abraham formalised this into organised masquerade groups such as the Nobles, Egyaa, Tumus, and Red Cross, who parade through the town in elaborate costumes accompanied by brass band music.

Winneba Fancy Dress Costumes in the 1990s.

Saltpond, another historic town in the Central Region, is associated with the early evolution of Ghana’s masquerade culture. Europeans visiting or stationed in coastal bars dressed in masks during the colonial period, and local residents began adopting and adapting this for festive use. Figures from Saltpond were key innovators in bringing masquerade practices into wider local use, influencing neighbouring towns such as Winneba and later Takoradi. Today Saltpond itself holds Fancy Dress masquerade parades around Christmas, where groups and onlookers celebrate with costumes and street processions.

Saltpond Homecoming Festival 2025

In the Western Region’s twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi, the masquerade tradition evolved into what is popularly known as the Ankos Festival or Takoradi Masquerade Festival. “Ankos” originally referred to the first fancy masquerade group in the area and now denotes the street carnival held annually around December 24–26 as part of Christmas festivities. During Ankos, dozens of masquerade clubs — like Ankos, Cosmos, Holy Cities, Sunnato, and many others — don striking, creative costumes and parade through the city’s principal streets, dancing to brass bands and local music. The event draws locals, tourists, and diaspora visitors, showcasing cultural pride, dance, costume artistry, and community togetherness.

Takoradi Ankos Festival December 2025

So if you happen to be in Ghana during the festive season, take a trip out of the city and enjoy the cultural masquerade experience!