Hundreds gathered in Porto-Novo on Sunday as masked performers danced through the streets to the rhythm of traditional drums, bringing centuries-old legends to life. The annual festival, rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Yoruba, Somba, and Betammaribe peoples, celebrates ancestral figures like Egungun and Zangbeto—believed to guard communities and serve as messengers between the physical and spiritual worlds. Clad in intricate wooden masks and vibrant fabrics, the performers reenacted sacred rituals and oral histories that have been passed down for generations. The celebration not only honors Benin’s rich spiritual traditions but also serves as a growing magnet for cultural tourism.
The Beninese government has increasingly promoted the event as part of its national tourism strategy. This year’s edition attracted thousands of visitors, including tourists from neighboring Nigeria and Togo, as well as cultural enthusiasts from Europe and North America. Officials say the festival is helping to reposition Benin as a leading destination for heritage tourism in West Africa, while also reinforcing pride in indigenous customs and spiritual beliefs. “This festival is not just entertainment,” said a representative from the Ministry of Culture. “It’s a living archive of our identity and a bridge to the wider world.”
