Benin/Strong success of Vodun Days 2026: Benin assumes its status as a great nation of culture and ancestral traditions

Ouidah, the ocean city and departure point for thousands of black slaves, was in the spotlight on January 08, 09 and 10. During these three days, the city once again vibrated to the rhythm of Vodun Days 2026. The historic city, a veritable open-air museum, was decked out in its finest finery to welcome the world. Modernized infrastructures, lively emblematic sites, popular fervor and international crowds. Everything was in place to make this "mature" edition a memorable one. From the very first day, dedicated to a giant open-air concert on the beach, the event lived up to all its promises.

Vodun celebrated in all its splendor

In Ouidah, and far beyond, Vodun is no longer hidden. It's on display, explained and shared. Through Vodun Days, the Head of State, Mr. Patrice TALON, is realizing his vision of revealing to the world what Benin possesses that is most precious. The festive, solemn atmosphere of this year's event could already be felt several miles from the city. At dawn on Thursday, January 8, just a stone's throw from the Porte du Non-Retour, the Vodun Days Village opened its doors to the public. Very early on, festival-goers from the four corners of the globe flocked to discover the wealth of cultural expressions on offer at the various venues.

Gradually, the city's spiritual and cultural sites came alive. In the sacred forest of Kpassè, the Vodun Kabada faithful communed in a solemn atmosphere. On the esplanade of the French Fort, the spectacular parade of the Zangbéto "guardians of the night" amazed the public with their demonstrations. Not far from the sea, at the Mami-Dan temple, the divinity was honored with song, dance and praise. In Maro square, the Egungun performed their remarkable outings, arousing admiration and emotion. Along the Slave Route, rituals dedicated to Vodun Sakpata drew attention, while procession scenes evoking the slave trade offered visitors a gripping immersion in history and collective memory.

In the late afternoon, the presence of President Patrice TALON, accompanied by members of his government, reaffirmed the State's ongoing commitment to the promotion and enhancement of Benin's cultures and traditions.

At dusk, festival-goers flocked to the gigantic podium set up by the ocean. Local and international artists, including Axel Merryl, Bobo wè, Vano Baby, Meiway, Angélique Kidjo, Davido and Ciara, delivered electrifying performances, keeping the Ouidah beach buzzing late into the night.

Losso Sâ, a spiritual message for Benin

When the second day of the festival dawned, the festive atmosphere resumed in the various squares. Then came the highly symbolic moment of this 2026 edition. The ecumenical ceremony on Friday January 09 consecrated the annual Tofâ consultation in Ouidah. At the end of this Vodun ceremony, organized in the presence of dignitaries, Fâ priests and the faithful, the Losso sa sign was revealed for Benin in 2026. According to the first interpretations delivered by the Bokônon, it symbolizes continuity and prosperity, and thus remains the bearer of good news and hope for the Beninese people.

Day 3: Cultural apotheosis at the Ouidah Arena

The third and final day of Vodun Days 2026 confirmed the resounding success of this mature edition. At the Arène de Ouidah, an imposing cultural infrastructure facing the Atlantic Ocean, a series of shows kept the public on its toes throughout the afternoon. The Pépit'Arts groups from Adjarra, the Dawetin, as well as the Zangbéto and Egungun masks, took to the stage for performances rich in symbolism, energy and aesthetics. Ritual dances, spectacular demonstrations and traditional artistic expressions amazed the public in the presence of the Head of State. As night fell, the atmosphere was stepped up a notch with DJ entertainment on the podium, prolonging the party well into the night, in an atmosphere of communion and celebration.

A successful and acclaimed edition

The 2026 edition of Vodun Days thus ends on a largely positive note. A major event in Vodun art, culture and spirituality, it brought together, moved and seduced participants from all horizons. Over the three days, Ouidah established itself as a major cultural showcase for Benin, and an important venue for dialogue between ancestral traditions and modernity.

Vodun Days 2026 confirms its status as a major international event, celebrating Benin's soul and spiritual heritage with pride and openness to the world.

You can find all the official photos of the Vodun Days 2026 in the dedicated albums on the Flickr account of the Presidency of Benin at the following addresses:

- Cultural show and entertainment in the heart of the Ouidah Arena => https://urls.fr/3sQiTB

- Highlights of the Grand Vodun Ceremony => https://urls.fr/H-dBvj

- Giant concert on Thursday, January 08, 2026 => https://urls.fr/QzS0SY

- President Patrice TALON visits the various sites => https://urls.fr/6qA4hh

- Minister of State Romuald WADAGNI's visit to the various sites, entertainment in the squares, etc. => https://urls.fr/RAQfm-

Source: /www.gouv.bj/