The Ugie Festival is held annually to celebrate the coronation and reign of the Oba. It includes rituals, processions, and traditional dances that reinforce Benin’s cultural heritage.
The Ugie Festival is one of the grand royal celebrations of the Benin Kingdom, observed annually within the palace of the Oba. It is a series of sacred and ceremonial events held in honor of the kingdom’s deities, ancestors, and the continued well-being of the monarchy. Traditionally taking place in December, the festival also coincides with the Igue rites, marking a time of renewal, thanksgiving, and spiritual fortification for both the ruler and the realm. Its rituals are deeply rooted in the history of Benin’s royal court, blending religious devotion with displays of cultural prestige.