Benin’s Ganvie Celebrates Annual Lake Festival

Hundreds of canoes and barges thronged the centuries-old lake village of Ganvie in Benin for its annual festival celebrating its history and heritage with vibrant music, dance, and boat regattas, as well as traditional food and spiritual ceremonies.

The Festival of Nautical Sports, Cultures, and Arts (FESCAN) was held and highlighted the vibrant life and traditions of the lake-dwelling community, a village perched on stilts, lying just north of the capital Cotonou on Lake Nokoue.

Canoe races were a major attraction, drawing participants from across the region.

Packed onto boats, spectators cheered on their favorite teams and savored the lively atmosphere.

Nicknamed "The Venice of Africa", Ganvie was built on water by those who escaped from slavery in the 18th century, and it is now a tourist destination known for its stilt homes and cultural heritage.

According to local legend and historical accounts, the Tofinu people fled to the lake to escape slavery and persecution from the Fon and Dahomey kingdoms.

To avoid capture, they built their homes on stilts over the lake, creating a unique and thriving community.

Floating shops also played a key role in the festivities, with local vendors paddling through the waterways to hawk their wares.

"I am very pleased with what is happening here. The joy I feel is immense because what is happening on the lake here in Ganvié is astonishing. People didn't know that such things could happen here," says Avocetien Dossou, who currently heads Ganvie village.

The festival also featured traditional dances performed on canoes that highlighted the deep connection between the people of Ganvie and the water on which they dwell and depend on for their livelihood.