Igue and Ewere Festivals

One of the most popular festivals in Benin is Igue and Ewere festivals. Igue and Ewere festivals, which are possibly the most colorful and crowd-drawing events in Benin, are a mash-up of several celebrations. They are suggestive of historical occurrences in Benin. Each event is linked to previous Obas, around whom Benin customs and traditions are weaved. Every ruling Oba and all Benin people at home and abroad celebrate the Igue festival yearly to commemorate the conclusion of the Bini year and welcome in a new one with renewed optimism for peace and prosperity.

During Igue, the Binis dress up in their finest, and the entire city is nearly engulfed in a frenzy of felicitations. Men and women dance and chant in fervent adoration of the gods who guarded them over the previous year. The ostentations displayed by the colorful Benin chiefs, as well as the distinctiveness of their traditional garb, are evocative of Benin's strength and grandeur. Cows, goats, fowls, and other critters are slain in large numbers to appease the souls of the deceased Obas and the many gods of the people.

Time: Between January and December