Kpedze Awatukpe Festival

The festival is deeply rooted in the warrior history of the Kpedze people, whose name translates to those who penetrated through bullets. A central feature is the Awatukpe procession, where participants enter the bush with firearms to fire shots and collect bullets in pots under the direction of traditional leaders. This ritual is performed to the beat of the Kalevu, or warriors' drums. Other significant traditional rites include the Dukɔ nugbuidodo peace-pipe ceremony, town-cleaning exercises, and a pilgrimage to Tsotoenu, the community's ancestral home, to offer sacrifices and libations.

Beyond historical preservation, the festival serves as a primary vehicle for local development. Recent editions have addressed water challenges, while current efforts focus on constructing a dedicated event and cultural center for the town. The celebration also aims to bridge generational gaps through activities such as a football gala, indoor games, and quiz competitions for Junior High School students.

Culinary heritage is highlighted through a food bazaar that showcases indigenous dishes. Traditional foods such as kpokplotsikple, Kpedze detsi with fufu, and kɔlɛ—a salt-free preparation of akple and red oil—are featured to reconnect younger generations with ancestral diets. The month-long program concludes on the final Saturday of October with a grand durbar, bringing together stakeholders to support the community's growth and restoration.