The United States was treated to the beautiful culture of Asanteman in the American state of Maryland on Sunday, August 29, 2026.
The Ashanti Kingdom, led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, celebrated their 6th Akwasidae for 2026 in the state of Maryland.
The streets of Maryland were filled with the beautiful colours of Asanteman, and Asantes from all parts of the world attended the event adorned in the apparel of the Akan culture.
As usual, the arrival of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was one of the most eye-catching moments at the event. The venue came to a standstill as many people tried to catch a glimpse of the Ashanti monarch and pay homage to him.
He could be seen shaking hands with some of the attendees of the event who knelt before him.
The culture and traditions of the people of Asanteman were brought to the American state, as many people could be seen dancing and singing to the tunes of the Asante Kingdom.
This historic event was graced by leading political figures in Maryland, including the Prince George’s Executive, Aisha N. Braveboy, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
About the Akwasidae
The Akwasidae Festival is a vibrant celebration held by the Ashanti people in Ghana. It occurs every six weeks on a Sunday, in accordance with the Ashanti calendar.
The festival is deeply rooted in ancestral reverence and remembrance, honouring past kings and noble feats.
It is a time when the Asantehene (the king of Ashanti), sub-kings and subjects come together at Manhyia in Kumasi to celebrate the Golden Stool, a symbol of the kingdom's unity and its cultural heritage.
During Akwasidae, the community engages in drumming, dancing and singing to honour their ancestors and lesser gods, known as abosom.
It is a day of communal gathering, vibrant attire and cultural expression that underscores the Ashanti people's connection to their past and their ongoing cultural legacy.
Watch visuals from the event below:
Otumfuo dances to the Fontomfrom rhythm pic.twitter.com/OOyNbrrtKN
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Otumfuo’s majestic appearance at the Akwasidae USA Durbar Grounds. pic.twitter.com/lEHe7OcLV5
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Asantehene's regalia on display at today's Akwasidae celebration in the USA.#manhyiapalace pic.twitter.com/qFCgvC9yeG
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Akwasidae USA: Prince George’s County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, together with his spouse, pay homage to Asantehene pic.twitter.com/8SEX0C1rdK
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Asantehene’s wife, Lady Julia, and their children take turns to pay homage to the King at the US Akwasidae. pic.twitter.com/s7az6hg0hg
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Nananom take turns to pay homage to Otumfuo at the US Akwasidae pic.twitter.com/y5er6RlFmL
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Nananom graced USA Akwasidae in grand style, adorned in Kente cloth. pic.twitter.com/cSIo5tgbSE
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026Ghanaian diaspora pays homage to Otumfuo at Akwasidae USA celebration pic.twitter.com/J7iYILyBrq
— Manhyia Palace (@ManhyiaPalace) August 31, 2026 BAI