Benin continues its annual celebrations of indigenous religions, known in French as the “fête nationale du vodun”, but has decided to extend the length of the event and has renamed it “Vodun Days” in English since January 2024.

The national Vodun festival, originally established in 1992 by President Nicéphore Soglo, has become the “Vodun Days” since January 2024.

The festivity, which initially took place on 10 January each year, has been extended into a 3-day festival.

The Vodun Days 2025, now an unmissable event in Beninese culture, will therefore take place from 9 to 11 January in the historic town of Ouidah, a high place of Vodun spirituality and heritage.

The initial aim of the national festival was to revalue Vodun, often stigmatised, by presenting it as a pillar of national cultural identity and a driver of the country’s international profile.

A nod to the 2024 edition

In 2024, the Vodun Days underwent a significant evolution, spreading over two days and welcoming an increasingly diverse audience, including both followers and curious visitors from abroad. The programme mixed tradition and modernity, with sacred ceremonies, concerts by local and international artists, and workshops introducing Vodun practices. Emphasis was also placed on showcasing Beninese craft and culinary skills, attracting the attention of international media.

Programme of the Vodun Days 2025

For the 2025 edition, the festival grows even stronger with an expanded programme. Here are the planned highlights:

Day 1: 9 January 2025 – Opening and immersion

• Official opening ceremony: An inaugural speech by Vodun dignitaries and government authorities will mark the start of the festivities.
• Cultural performances: The public squares of Ouidah will vibrate to the sound of traditional dances such as the Zangbéto and the Egungun, symbolising spiritual protection and homage to the ancestors respectively.
• Music stage: In the evening, renowned artists will take the stage. These include the legendary group Kassav’, the bewitching rhythms of Alèkpéhanhou, and the energy of Amy Mako, a rising star of Beninese music.
• Visit to the Vodun Days Village: An immersive space where visitors can discover ritual objects, traditional fabrics and local dishes, such as the famous Beninese “kpanman”.

Day 2: 10 January 2025 – The great Vodun celebration

• National Day: From dawn, the faithful will set off in procession from the sacred temples to converge on the Place des Esclaves, a place steeped in history. The programme will be much like that of the previous day, with a procession starring the mysterious Zangbéto or the famous Egungun, but we can no doubt expect even more fervour and atmosphere to mark this very special day of the national festival.
• Music stage: In the evening, the organisers plan to highlight troupes from the Caribbean and Brazil, notably the Balé Folclórico da Bahia, and artists such as Alèkpéhanhou, Anice Pépé and many others!

Day 3: 11 January 2025 – Art and transmission

• Initiation workshops: Interactive sessions will let participants try practices such as cowrie divination or the making of Vodun talismans.
• Conferences and round tables: Experts and researchers will discuss themes such as the role of Vodun in African diasporas and its impact on contemporary art.
• Festive closing: In the evening, the festival will close with a performance by the 3 DJs Djabi, Vogis and Wafa, who will surely not miss this chance to turn heads.

An international reach

Beyond the spiritual ceremonies and cultural festivities, the Vodun Days actively contribute to the growth of cultural tourism and the revaluing of African traditions. This festival is a unique opportunity for Benin to show the whole world the importance of its intangible heritage. By gathering participants from the four corners of the globe, it also helps deconstruct the stereotypes often associated with Vodun and promote a more authentic understanding of this rich and complex spirituality.

In a global context where preserving local cultures is becoming a major issue, the Vodun Days position themselves as a flagship event for the African continent, uniting spirituality, art and innovation. By celebrating Vodun, Benin does not simply pay tribute to its past: it opens itself to the future, building bridges between generations and cultures, while proudly asserting its identity and its place on the international cultural stage.

As the Vodun Days prepare to welcome a new edition rich in discoveries and emotion, the invitation goes out to all who wish to dive into a unique human and cultural experience. Whether you are a believer, a history buff or simply curious, the Vodun Days offer a captivating plunge into the soul of Benin, celebrating both its deep roots and its capacity to shine beyond its borders.

To find out more and plan your visit, go to vodundays.bj.