🇧🇯 Benin
🥁 Cultural & heritage
Gelede Festival
Traditional masquerade festival
When
April 20 · annually
Next: Tuesday, 20 Apr 2027
Duration
2 days
Where
Benin
Where it happens
UNESCO-recognized cultural festival celebrating mothers and female ancestors
About Gelede Festival
A traditional festival dedicated to Mother Earth.
Origins & significance
Originated from the Yoruba people to honor women and mothers as providers of life.
How it's celebrated
Participants wear elaborate masks and perform dances.
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Last updated 19 Jul 2026.