Porto-Novo Mask Festival: Women embody the heritage of women in Benin
Ahmed Salem
Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin, is preparing to host one of the most prominent cultural events in West Africa, the Mask Festival, which will take place on July 25 and 26, 2026, amidst a festive atmosphere that reflects the depth of the local heritage and the richness of the folklore.
The festival is an annual event that blends traditional arts and spiritual rituals, filling the streets with dance performances, traditional costumes, and colorful masks, all accompanied by drums and music with roots stretching back centuries. These events are often linked to Voodoo beliefs, which form an integral part of Benin's cultural identity.
A pivotal role for women
While the festival typically focuses on visual displays such as masks and dances, this year it highlights the role of women, who are the cornerstone of preserving this heritage. Women are not merely spectators; they play a key role in passing on folk songs and traditional rituals from one generation to the next.
During the performances, the women appear dressed in white, barefoot, sitting in harmonious circles, keeping to the rhythm of the music, and chanting oral songs that were not written down in books, but remained alive in the collective memory of the community.
A living heritage that is renewed
The Porto Novo Mask Festival is a prime example of how intangible heritage can be preserved, where the past and present blend seamlessly into a vibrant cultural scene. This event underscores that culture is not merely a spectacle to be witnessed, but an experience to be lived, contributing to the strengthening of national identity and a deepening sense of belonging.
The festival opens its doors to visitors from within and outside Benin, providing an opportunity to discover one of the most important aspects of African culture and to learn more about the role of women in preserving this ancient heritage.
