Step into history, in the land of the Amazons and great kingdoms

Vodun Days, Ouidah

Culture · Atlantique · Benin

Ouidah's biggest event of the year, organised by the State around the national day of traditional religions. For a week, the town comes alive with giant concerts by Beninese and international artists, traditional music concerts, dances and masquerades (Zangbeto, Egungun), processions through the centre, an exhibitors' village and evenings on the seafront. The official highlight is the great Vodun ceremony, attended by dignitaries. The 2026 edition drew several hundred thousand participants: accommodation and transport are snapped up, so book very early. Official programme and tickets: vodundays.bj. For practitioners, some ceremonies are religious moments: dress modestly and ask before taking photos.

Early January. 2027 edition: 2 to 9 January (public holidays on Thursday 7 and Friday 8).

Benin Independence Day

National day · Littoral · Benin

National day on 1 August, marking independence in 1960: parades and celebrations across the country.

Porto-Novo Masks Festival

Culture · Ouémé · Benin

The great parade of masks from Benin and the region: Egungun, Zangbeto, Gelede (UNESCO intangible heritage) and many more come down Porto-Novo's lagoon boulevard. Concerts, a crafts and food village, and a symposium on the history of masks. The 2024 edition drew nearly 40,000 visitors. Some masquerades have a religious meaning for their followers: keep your distance and ask before taking photos.

Late July or early August; 2026: 25 and 26 July.

International Festival of Arts of Benin (FInAB)

Culture · Littoral · Benin

Ten days of concerts, fashion shows, film, literature and exhibitions in Cotonou and several other towns (Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Abomey, Parakou): the showcase of contemporary Beninese creativity.

February to March; 2026: 20 February to 1 March.

Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)

Religious · Littoral · Benin

The festival marking the end of Ramadan, a public holiday: morning prayer and family meals, especially in Cotonou's Zongo and Agla districts.

Date varies, at the end of Ramadan, following the lunar calendar.

Gaani festival in Nikki

Culture · Borgou · Benin

The great festival of the Baatonu (Bariba) people around the king of Nikki: riders in ceremonial dress, drums and songs. **Safety (October 2026)**: the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against the Nikki area (Nigerian border, Kandi – Tchaourou road). Check official advice before any plans.

Date varies each year with the lunar calendar.

Nonvitcha, Grand-Popo

Culture · Mono · Benin

Grand-Popo's festival of brotherhood and reunion, celebrated for over a century (105th edition in 2026): people from the town come home from everywhere, and the town comes alive with giant concerts and beach parties between lagoon and ocean.

Every year on Pentecost weekend (16 May in 2027).

Dassa-Zoumè pilgrimage

Religious · Collines · Benin

National pilgrimage to the grotto of Our Lady of Arigbo, drawing crowds from across the country and neighbouring countries. Roads and accommodation are very busy.

Late August; dates announced each year.

Tabaski (Eid al-Adha)

Religious · Bénin · Benin

A Muslim festival and public holiday in Benin: morning prayers, family meals.

Date varies with the lunar calendar.

WeLovEya Festival

Music · Littoral · Benin

Cotonou's big end-of-year urban music festival: two nights of concerts with Beninese and African stars, at the foot of the Amazon statue.

Late December, Place de l'Amazone in Cotonou; 2025: 27 and 28 December.