Vaudoun Day
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Vaudoun Day, also called Traditional Religions Day, is a public holiday in Benin. It is dedicated to celebrating the native-African religion of Vaudoun. In 2027, Vaudoun Day falls on Sunday 10 January. The holiday will be on Monday 10 January in 2028. Every 10 January, celebrations break out all over Benin, but especially in the city of Ouidah. A goat is slaughtered to honour the spirits as the festival commences. Then there is a motley and colourful arrangement of song, dance, parades, drinking, feasting, and general merriment. Since Vaudoun gained official status as a religion and a special day was created to celebrate it, it has attracted many new converts and a host of tourists who come to see the religious and cultural events in Ouidah every 10 January.
History
Vaudoun Day, also called Traditional Religions Day, is a public holiday in Benin. Since Vaudoun gained official status as a religion and a special day was created to celebrate it, it has attracted many new converts and a host of tourists who come to see the religious and cultural events in Ouidah every 10 January
How It's Celebrated
Vaudoun Day, also called Traditional Religions Day, is a public holiday in Benin. The holiday will be on Monday 10 January in 2028. Every 10 January, celebrations break out all over Benin, but especially in the city of Ouidah. A goat is slaughtered to honour the spirits as the festival commences