Thousands fill Porto-Novo streets for Benin's Mask Festival

The third edition of Benin's Mask Festival took over the streets of Porto-Novo, drawing thousands of people. Performers wearing elaborate wooden masks and colorful costumes danced through the city to the beat of drums, while spectators lined the routes to watch traditional displays that brought ancestral customs and Beninese culture to life.

The festival honors mask traditions from communities including the Yoruba, Somba, and Betammaribe. Figures such as Egungun and Zangbeto are believed to represent ancestral spirits and hold significant roles in local cultural and spiritual life.

Visitors noted that the event offers a chance to discover Benin beyond common stereotypes and gain a deeper understanding of its traditions.