The event will feature a scientific symposium with the participation of prominent Beninese and international scholars.
On Friday, July 18, 2025, a press conference held in Porto-Novo officially presented the second edition of the Festival of Masks, scheduled for August 2 and 3, 2025. The occasion was an opportunity to unveil the program and ambitions of this new edition, in the presence of Mr. Babalola Jean-Michel H. ABIMBOLA, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts; Mr. Charlemagne YANKOTY, Mayor of Porto-Novo; and Mr. Sindé CHEKETE, Director General of Benin Tourism.
A Memorable Celebration of Heritage
The 2025 Festival of Masks is far more than a festive event. It is part of a broader effort to promote Benin’s cultural identity, blending modern elements while preserving tradition. This new edition promises to celebrate both sacred and secular masks from Benin, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. The heart of Porto-Novo will be transformed into a space of celebration, knowledge-sharing, and artistic expression. The program will include major highlights such as:
- The Grand Mask Procession, scheduled for August 3 at 4:00 PM, which will parade along the Lagoon Boulevard, offering a spectacular immersion into the world of masks.
- Cultural activities at five key locations: Lokossa, Migan, Abessan, Dangbé Klunon Honto, and Houngbo.
- Two large-scale concerts on August 2 and 3, featuring renowned artists such as Sessimè, Fanicko, Zeynab, Queen Fumi, Don Metok, GG Lapino, Connex & Don, Aimée Hovinou, Fanny Sènan, Tgang, Ahovi Houessou, Pépé Oleka, Manzor, Nikanor, and Gopal Das.
- A scientific symposium at the School of African Heritage, on the theme: “Ifá Ọ̀rúnmìlà: An Introduction to an Epistemology.”
- A festival village on the National Assembly esplanade, offering interactive activities for children, creative workshops (such as coloring, face painting, and mask making), and live performances.
Benin, a Cultural Destination in Transformation
Benin is currently undergoing a major transformation, where arts, culture, and tourism play a central role in the country’s development strategy. On June 11, 2025, the Beninese government adopted the 2025–2029 Strategic Development Plan, with an ambitious budget of 797.17 billion CFA francs (approximately €1.4 billion). This plan aims to position Benin as a leading cultural and tourism destination by 2029. Through the Festival of Masks, Benin continues to promote its national brand, “Benin: A World of Splendor,” by showcasing the richness and diversity of its cultural and artistic heritage.
Benin, the Beating Heart of Vodun
The Festival of Masks is an integral part of Benin’s broader strategy to promote Vodun heritage. In 2025, the Vodun Days attracted more than 435,000 participants, underscoring growing public interest in this vibrant cultural tradition. These events align with the Vodun Convent Route, a project designed to identify, promote, and link major Vodun convents through an immersive tourism itinerary. Additionally, Benin is preparing to open the future International Museum of Vodun in Porto-Novo—a major project aimed at sharing this spiritual heritage with the world.
Mr. Babalola Jean-Michel H. ABIMBOLA, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, stated:
“The success of the first edition of the Festival of Masks demonstrated the public’s deep interest in our living heritage and the richness of traditions that shape Benin’s identity. The 2025 edition marks another milestone in our commitment to making the Festival a key event for promoting our arts and cultures.”
Mr. Charlemagne YANKOTY, Mayor of Porto-Novo, noted:
“The Festival of Masks is now a full part of our country’s cultural and identity landscape, particularly in Porto-Novo. After a successful first edition, this new edition represents an important step in our effort to make the city a stronghold for celebrating Beninese and global traditions.”
Mr. Sindé CHEKETE, Director General of Benin Tourism, added:
“The Festival of Masks is an exceptional showcase of our living heritage and a unique opportunity to promote Benin as a premier cultural destination. This event, which brings together tens of thousands of festival-goers each year, plays a key role in our tourism development strategy and the international promotion of our country’s image.”
About the Festival of Masks in Porto-Novo
The Festival of Masks in Porto-Novo—successor to the Porto-Novo International Festival—is an annual cultural event that celebrates the richness of mask traditions from Benin and beyond. Taking place from August 2 to 3, 2025, in the country’s capital, the festival offers a diverse lineup that includes a Grand Mask Procession, square-based activities, concerts by renowned artists, and a vibrant festival village featuring craft and food stands. The event will also host a scientific symposium with leading scholars from Benin and abroad. The festival aims to position Porto-Novo as a top cultural tourism destination.
