The 2026 Mask Festival in Porto-Novo: a look back at a memorable edition

On 25 and 26 July 2026, Porto-Novo experienced two extraordinary days. For an entire weekend, Benin’s capital was transformed into a vast open-air stage where mask-wearing communities, traditional dignitaries, artists, researchers, craftspeople, locals and visitors from Benin and beyond came together with a shared aim: to celebrate, preserve and promote living heritage.

The Grand Procession of Masks on Boulevard Lagunaire, events in five historic squares, the Festival Village, an international academic symposium and two major evenings of concerts: this third edition of the Festival of Masks will be remembered as the one that transformed the event from a cultural gathering into a true destination experience. A look back at the highlights of an edition that left a lasting impression.

The 2026 edition: a turning point

The Festival of Masks is far more than a cultural event: it is the living expression of a heritage, a shared memory and an identity that is passed on, reinvented and perpetuated from generation to generation. In 2026, the programme was no longer centred on a single venue: it unfolded across several neighbourhoods and iconic locations, creating a genuine cultural trail spanning the whole of Porto-Novo.

A programme extending across the whole city

Five historic venues – the Festival Village, the Lagunaire Boulevard and the School of African Heritage (EPA) – hosted the activities over two days. This edition brought together traditions, scientific research, craft skills, artistic creation, family activities, tourist attractions and encounters between Beninese and international cultures within a single programme. Alongside the Zangbéto, Egungun, Gèlèdè, Gounouko and Vodun Hounvè, the public discovered Chinese masks and masked traditions from West Africa.

Highlights of the 2026 Mask Festival

Five major events punctuated the weekend and gave this year’s festival its unique intensity.

The Grand Mask Procession: the highlight of the weekend

The highlight of the 2026 edition, the Grand Mask Procession took place on Sunday 26 July, from 5.00 pm to 6.30 pm, on Boulevard Lagunaire. Zangbéto, Egungun, Gèlèdè, Gounouko, Vodun Hounvè and guest delegations from other parts of the world came together in a spectacular procession through the heart of Porto-Novo, showcasing the diversity, symbolic power and richness of living heritage.

More than just a gathering, this procession was a time for passing on traditions, for coming together and for collective celebration, driven by the communities that preserve and keep these traditions alive. Admission was free and open to all.

Events in the Squares: five open-air stages

Over the two days, five historic squares in Porto-Novo hosted performances and mask demonstrations, bringing the public into close contact with the communities that keep these traditions alive. The public were able to engage with this cultural heritage and discover the city through a cultural trail stretching from one neighbourhood to another.

The Festival Village: the place where everyone comes together

The very heart and soul of the Festival, the Village brought together traditions, crafts, gastronomy and artistic expression in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Live performances took place throughout the day, featuring Kaléta, Adé-Oba, Python and Gèlèdè, right up to the closing set on Saturday evening.

Families found a programme tailored just for them: creative workshops for children centred on masks (colouring, face painting and an introduction to mask-making), woodcarving demonstrations, bead jewellery-making and an introduction to traditional rhythms.

The International Scientific Symposium at the École du Patrimoine Africain

Because heritage preservation also relies on knowledge, two days were devoted to scholarly reflection and the exchange of knowledge, starting at 9 am at the École du Patrimoine Africain (EPA). More than 50 researchers and experts from several countries, including academics, heritage specialists and Vodun practitioners, gathered to discuss the theme ‘Vodun Masks: Heritage and Modernity ’.

Opening and plenary lectures, academic presentations and interdisciplinary debates explored six main themes: masks and cultural identities; masks and living heritage; masks, innovation and digital technology; spirituality, transmission and the anthropology of Vodun; preservation, documentation and promotion of heritage; and heritage, tourism and economic development. Admission was, once again, free of charge.

Great Concerts: two evenings celebrating Benin’s music scene

As night fell, Boulevard Lagunaire was transformed into a huge open-air stage. On 25 and 26 July, from 7 pm, leading artists from Benin’s music scene took to the stage one after another for two evenings dedicated to music, creativity and sharing.

Vano Baby, X Time and Ghix, Nza, Tyaf, First King, Crisba, Conex and Don, Aimée Hovinou, Faty, Jackinos Aziza, Opa, Richard Flash, Pepe Oleka, Madano and Dorz-B all took to the stage alongside presenters Gilchrist Ayité, Naomi Soumanou and Lionel Kinha, as well as DJs Davyo and DJ Yann Le Killer.

Porto-Novo, capital of living heritage

The reason the Festival of Masks fits so naturally into Porto-Novo is that here, heritage is not merely something to be admired: it is lived, passed on and shapes everyday life. As Benin’s political capital, a former royal city and a historic crossroads of African and Afro-Brazilian influences, the city is one of West Africa’s most remarkable heritage sites.

Its royal palaces, historic squares, museums, Grand Mosque, lagoon and numerous sites of historical significance tell a unique story, marked in certain neighbourhoods by Afro-Brazilian architecture. Ceremonies, traditional crafts and intangible heritage continue to enliven daily life here. In 2026, the Festival celebrated a capital city that does not merely preserve its heritage: it brings it to life, passes it on to new generations and shares it with the whole world.