The Osun Osogbo Festival is filled with a variety of rituals , ceremonies, and cultural displays that highlight the richness of Yoruba traditions. The festival begins with the traditional cleansing of the town  known as Iwopopo. This ritual is intended to rid Osogbo of any evil or negative influences, thereby purifying the town in preparation for the main events of the festival. This is followed by the lighting of a 500-year-old sixteen-point lamp called Ina Olojumerindinlogun,  a ritual that symbolizes the continuity of the festival and the enduring nature of Yoruba traditions. 

As the festival progresses, various activities take place, each with its own significance. One of the key events is the Ataoja (the king of Osogbo) visit to the Osun Grove, where he offers prayers and sacrifices to the goddess. Ataoja is not just a political leader; he is also the chief priest of Osogbo, and his role in the festival underscores the deep connection between the town’s political and spiritual life. During this visit, the Ataoja reaffirms the community’s commitment to the covenant with Osun and seeks her continued blessings for the town.