Masks tell the story of Benin... Porto-Novo Festival transforms heritage into a tourist destination
The festival opens its doors to the world and offers an experience that combines traditional rituals and exchange.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
Benin's political capital, Porto-Novo, was transformed into an open-air stage for heritage and culture during the Mask Festival, which over two days brought together legendary figures such as Igongon, Zangbetou, and Guiledi, in celebrations and parades that filled the city's streets with traditional colors and rituals, as part of a new strategy to promote cultural tourism in the country.
Masks tell the story of Benin... Porto-Novo Festival transforms heritage into a tourist destination
The festival aims to introduce local and foreign visitors to the profound meanings of the masks, which represent an integral part of Benin's cultural heritage, as well as to highlight the rituals and traditions associated with them.
Professor Mahungnon Kakpo said that masks are not just decorations or a means of disguise, but carry messages and symbols passed down through generations over time, explaining that every civilization has its own masks that reflect the ideas and values of its ancestors.
He added that the festival has become international in character, as it is no longer limited to Beninese masks only, but opens the door to the participation of masks from other cultures, in a step aimed at promoting cultural dialogue and exchange between peoples.
Among the visitors, tourist Martin Cruz, who has been staying in Benin for two weeks, expressed his amazement at the festival, confirming that he had discovered for the first time this rich cultural heritage, with its dances, costumes, hairstyles and rituals with deep meanings.
He indicated that he intends to buy books to learn more about the history of masks, rituals and traditional dances, expressing his admiration for how much the local community adheres to this culture and considers it part of its identity.
The Mask Festival is part of Benin’s vision to develop tourism based on immersion in local culture, by giving visitors the opportunity to understand traditional rituals and meet the bearers of this heritage, while preserving the cultural identity of the festival despite future expansion plans.
