Benin
Holidays & Observances in Benin
Benin is a West African country separated into many tribal groups. Customs and beliefs vary between the differing groups. Though Christianity and Islam are very popular in Benin, many people still practice indigenous religions, the most popular of which is Vodoun, known as Voodoo in the western world. Followers of Vodoun believe that everything in nature is governed by spirits. Each year the Beninese people celebrate a holiday called Traditional Day, which celebrates Vodoun and attracts many followers from other parts of the world. Other religious holidays are Christian and Muslim, celebrated individually by followers of each religion.
Upcoming Popular Holidays
Country Observances
| Holiday Date | Country Holiday | Common Observance | Observance Type | Religion/Belief |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence Day Benin | Independence Day | Public | ||
| Assumption of Mary | Assumption Day | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
| All Saints' Day | All Saints' Day | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity, Catholic | |
| Christmas Eve | Christmas | Religious/Beliefs, Popular & Widely Observed | Christianity | |
| Christmas | Christmas | Public | ||
| Christmas | Christmas | Public, Religious/Beliefs, Popular & Widely Observed | Christianity | |
| Good Friday | Good Friday | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
| Easter | Easter | Religious/Beliefs, Popular & Widely Observed | Christianity | |
| Easter Monday | Easter Monday | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
| Labour Day / May Day | Labour Day | Public, Popular & Widely Observed | ||
| Ascension Day | Ascension Day | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity | |
| Pentecost / Whit Sunday | Pentecost (Whit Sunday) | Religious/Beliefs | Christianity |