Two festivals, fourteen days, one homecoming.
A bilingual field guide and a WhatsApp concierge for the Benin season: dancing at WeLovEya in Cotonou, then walking to the ocean at the Vodun Days in Ouidah. Where to sleep, what to wear, how to show respect, and who to call.
Release planned on December 1, 2026 · no payment today
Season calendar: WeLovEya on December 26 and 27, 2026, a quiet week, then the Vodun Days from January 2 to 9, 2027.
Until WeLovEya · 26.12.2026 · Cotonou
The year ends on the dancefloor and begins at the shore. The season is built around the two dates that bring the diaspora home, with a quiet week in between to find your people.
The biggest urban music and afrobeat festival in Benin, two nights at Place de l'Amazone. The guide covers tickets, safe rides home and where to eat after midnight.
A week in the city of memory, from the old Portuguese fort to the beach. Vodun is a living religion: the guide tells you what to watch, what to wear and when not to take a photo.
Read: be a respectful guest →the album keeps growing…
A field guide written for first-time returners, and a concierge that answers in English or French on WhatsApp during the season.
Release planned on December 1, 2026 · reserve now, pay on release
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Five places worth the road, all in the south. The guide gives you how to get there, how long to stay and what to keep in mind.
The Route des Esclaves down to the Door of No Return, the Portuguese fort museum, the beach at dusk.
A town built on stilts, reached by pirogue from Abomey-Calavi. Go early, when the market boats come in.
Afro-Brazilian houses, museums and a slower pace. A good day between the two festivals.
The royal palaces of the kings of Danxomè, on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Palm trees, lagoon and long beaches to rest after the season.
The questions everyone asks first. For anything else, write to the concierge on WhatsApp.
Most visitors apply for an e-visa online on the official portal evisa.bj before flying. Prices and processing times change, so check the portal and apply at least two weeks ahead. People of African descent can also look at the Afro-descendants programme on myafroorigins.bj.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is asked for at entry. Malaria is present all year: talk to a travel doctor about prevention, and pack repellent. Check the latest requirements with your doctor or your government's travel health page.
Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Ganvié, Grand-Popo and Abomey are where the season happens, in the south. Foreign ministries advise against travel to the northern border areas: the guide keeps every plan in the south. Read your government's travel advice before booking.
Vodun is a living religion. Ask before you photograph people, never touch costumed dancers, and follow what locals and guides tell you. We wrote a whole page about it: be a respectful guest.
The currency is the CFA franc (XOF). Cards work in larger hotels and some restaurants; for everything else, carry cash. Locals pay with Mobile Money (MTN, Moov, Celtiis): once you have a local SIM, you can use it too.
Buy one from MTN, Moov or Celtiis at the airport or in town. Bring your passport: SIM cards must be registered with an ID.
No. Benin Season is an independent guide. WeLovEya tickets are sold by the festival; the Vodun Days programme is published on vodundays.bj. The guide tells you where and how to get them.
still wondering? just ask.
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