Benin Voodoo Day, the Fête du Vodoun, is the country's national day of indigenous religions, a public holiday celebrated nationwide in early January. Since a 2024 law, it falls on the second Friday of January, and the Thursday before is also a holiday: in 2027, that means January 7 and 8. Ouidah is its heart, with Vodun Days, but ceremonies take place in many towns.
Origins and meaning of Benin Voodoo Day
Vodun is the traditional religion of southern Benin. It honors deities linked to the forces of nature and to the ancestors. A Panapress article, republished by Afrik.com in 2006, names among them Ogou, deity of iron, Hêviosso, deity of thunder, Sakpata, and Mami Wata, linked to water.
The national holiday was created in the 1990s, under the presidency of Nicéphore Soglo. For nearly thirty years it took place every January 10. On July 30, 2024, members of parliament unanimously passed a law setting the “annual celebration of indigenous religions” on the second Friday of January, with the preceding Thursday also a holiday, as Afrik.com reported. With the weekend that follows, that makes four days of celebrations.
The official message stresses religious coexistence. In Benin it is not unusual for Christians or Muslims to take part in the ceremonies too.
From North to South, from East to West, every January 10, Benin proudly celebrates its rich cultural and religious heritage by honoring indigenous religions.
What you see on the day
Every community and every convent organizes its own ceremonies. According to Panapress's description in 2006, there are dances, prayers, offerings and animal sacrifices, with followers gathering in Ouidah, Allada, Grand-Popo or Adjarra. According to Global Voices, the beaches of Grand-Popo are, along with Ouidah, one of the main gathering places.
In Ouidah, the celebration is now part of Vodun Days. In 2026, the high point of the Friday was an ecumenical vodun ceremony with the annual consultation of Fâ. This oracle, read by priests called bokônon, gives a sign for the year. The sign revealed for 2026 was Losso Sâ, interpreted as an omen of continuity and prosperity, according to the Beninese government's website.
You will also come across Zangbéto, straw-covered guardians of the night, and Egungun, the masks that represent the ancestors. The masks come out into the streets, and the public keeps its distance.
Our advice
Outside Ouidah, the celebration happens at the scale of a neighborhood or a village. Going through a local guide or your host is the best way to find out which convent welcomes visitors, and at what time.
Dates and venues
| Year | Public holidays | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Until 2024 | January 10 | Historic date |
| 2026 | Thursday, January 8 and Friday, January 9 | Vodun Days from January 8 to 10 |
| 2027 | Thursday, January 7 and Friday, January 8 | Vodun Days from January 2 to 9 |
In August 2026 the government clarified that lengthening Vodun Days does not add any public holiday: January 4, 5 and 6, 2027 remain working days. Government offices are closed on the two public holidays. Take out cash and handle any paperwork beforehand.
Attending
Entry requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may need an e-visa: check your case on our Benin entry requirements page or on the official portal evisa.bj. For a French passport it is required and costs €50 for 30 days, single entry, according to the portal. The yellow fever vaccine is required. Apply one to two weeks before you leave.
Where to go. Ouidah has the busiest program and the one most accessible to visitors. It is about 40 km from Cotonou, an hour's drive according to the Vodun Days organizers. Book your accommodation well ahead: the town is in high demand at this time of year.
Clothing. Simple, covering clothes are fine everywhere. In a convent, listen to the instructions given at the entrance and follow them.
Photos. Always ask before photographing a follower or a ceremony. Some rites may not be photographed at all. Never touch a mask.
Watch out
The French foreign ministry places southern Benin under heightened vigilance and strongly advises against several areas in the north, near Burkina Faso, Niger and the Pendjari and W parks. For the celebration, stay in the south and avoid driving at night.
Also check your own government's travel advice. To plan the rest of your stay, see our Benin guide and the calendar of festivals in Benin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Benin Voodoo Day still on January 10?
No. Since the July 2024 law, it falls on the second Friday of January, with the preceding Thursday also a holiday. In 2027, that means January 7 and 8.
Do you need to be initiated to attend the ceremonies?
Not for public ceremonies and masks coming out in the streets. If you are asked to step back or not to enter somewhere, respect it without arguing.
Where can you celebrate if you are not in Ouidah?
Grand-Popo, Allada and Adjarra also have their celebrations. The program there is less organized for visitors: a local guide will save you a lot of time.
