Benin's cultural calendar
Culture & Events

Benin's cultural calendar

The great gatherings that make Benin vibrate — and set the rhythm of the diaspora's return. Spot the dates, imagine your stay, and experience them with support.

Upcoming highlights

Vodun Days 2027
Official dates confirmed

Vodun Days 2027

January 2 – 9, 2027Ouidah

THE world gathering of vodun spirituality, now extended to a full week. Ceremonies, sacred dances, concerts and encounters in the historic city of Ouidah — a founding moment for any Afro-descendant.

  • Grand vodun ceremony and rituals in the city's temples
  • Concerts and creations by Beninese and international artists
  • On the sites of memory: Slave Route, Door of No Return
  • International crowds: book accommodation very early
Experience this event with BENINOW
FInAB — Benin International Arts Festival
Major annual festival

FInAB — Benin International Arts Festival

Late February – early March 2027Cotonou

The great celebration of arts and creative industries: concerts, fashion, cinema, exhibitions — about 200,000 visitors in a buzzing Cotonou.

  • Music stages and contemporary creations
  • Beninese fashion, design and fine crafts
  • The perfect moment to discover Cotonou's creative scene
Experience this event with BENINOW

Dates confirmed by official channels (Government of Benin, organisers). Calendar updated regularly.

Annual rendezvous

Celebrations that return every year and deserve to be lived at least once — periods shown are usual; exact dates are confirmed each year.

January 10

National Vodun Day

Nationwide · heart in Ouidah

National holiday dedicated to traditional religions — now the high point of the Vodun Days.

Pentecost (May)

Nonvitcha

Grand-Popo

The great reunion of the Xwla and Mina communities: fellowship, memory and oceanside festivities.

Lunar calendar

Gaani

Nikki

The royal celebration of Baatonu culture: horse parades, the splendour of the Nikki court and popular joy in northern Benin.

Mid-August

Arigbo Pilgrimage

Dassa-Zoumè

Great Marian pilgrimage in the heart of the 41 hills — one of West Africa's largest religious gatherings.

August 1

Independence Day

Cotonou

Parade and national celebrations on the Amazon esplanade — Benin in all its pride.

Every January

Vodun Days

Ouidah

The international vodun festival returns every January — the cultural magnet of the global diaspora.

Ready to live Benin to the beat of its culture?

Tell us which event calls you: we build your stay around it — transport, accommodation, guidance and encounters.

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