Fête du Vodoun in Benin
Fête du Vodoun recognizes Benin’s traditional religions through a national public holiday and public celebrations of Vodun arts, culture and spirituality. Its legal date was changed in 2024; Ouidah remains a focal place for the public programme, whose details can vary.[1][3]
A holiday for traditional religions
Benin established an annual holiday for traditional religions in 1995. The bill’s explanation said the holiday would recognize those religions alongside others and promote fairness; it also chose the broader name “traditional religions” because the word Vodoun was used more commonly in the south than in the north.[2]
The National Assembly described the 2024 law as a measure to promote culture and tourism by highlighting Vodoun. It set the annual celebration for the second Friday in January and designated the preceding Thursday as a non-working day as well.[1]
A public celebration in Ouidah
The government’s Vodun Days programme gives the holiday a public cultural dimension, with Ouidah as its main focal place. Past programmes have included ceremonies, performances and activities at places around the historic city and its beach; these are examples, not a fixed annual schedule.[3][4]
A past official programme listed dances and appearances by Zangbéto and Egungun, a Vodun ceremony, traditional music and concerts. These examples show how public events can bring together spiritual and cultural activities, but they do not describe every community’s observance.[3][4]
Planning around the holiday
The founding law describes the holiday as non-working and paid across the national territory. The 2024 parliamentary account also says the Thursday before the celebration is non-working.[1][2]
Visitors can check current announcements for event locations, access and schedules. The law establishes non-working days. Check opening hours with banks, shops and transport services before you go.[1][3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Fête du Vodoun a public holiday in Benin?
When is Fête du Vodoun observed?
The 2024 law sets the annual celebration for the second Friday in January, with the preceding Thursday also non-working.[1]
Where are the public celebrations held?
Sources and references
Sources used for Fête du Vodoun in Benin:
- Ouverture de la 2ème session extraordinaire de l’Assemblée nationale du Bénin au titre de l’année 2024 : Les députés adoptent la loi portant reconnaissance de la nationalité béninoise aux Afro-descendants et la loi fixant la fête annuelle des religions traditionnelles- Assemblée Nationale du Bénin
- Décret n° 95-402 du 11 décembre 1995 portant transmission à l’Assemblée Nationale, du projet de loi instituant une fête annuelle des religions traditionnelles- Secrétariat général du Gouvernement du Bénin
- La cité historique de Ouidah accueille les Vodun Days, les 9 et 10 janvier 2024- Gouvernement de la République du Bénin
- Programme officiel des Vodun Days 2025- Gouvernement de la République du Bénin