Thousands of people turned out in Benin on Sunday to witness the country’s iconic Mask Festival, a colorful cultural event that honors ancestral spirits, deep rooted traditions, and the nation’s identity.
Adorned in striking wooden masks, vivid fabrics, and moving to the beat of rhythmic drumming, dancers paraded through various parts of the capital, Porto-Novo, retelling ancient tales handed down through the ages.
The festival holds special meaning among the Yoruba, Somba, and Betammaribe peoples, where masked figures known as Egungun or Zangbeto are believed to embody ancestors who uphold peace, ward off danger, and link the living to the spiritual world.
“This represents our culture, it’s what defines us as Beninese. We are among the only African countries that are proud to keep our culture,” said Farid Mutairou, a Benin-based architect.
The government of Benin actively promotes the festival as a cornerstone of cultural tourism, attracting visitors from across West Africa, Europe, and other regions.
“The Mask Festival is for sure for tourist appeal of Benin because the president, in his vision, wants to make tourism an economic driver,” said Charlemagne Yankoty, Mayor of Porto-Novo.
