Popo Carnaval de Bonoua

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Carnival & ParadeBonoua
DatesDates TBA · Usually AprilCheck locally before booking
Duration14 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forMasks, parades01 Masquerade heritage: Popo masks, rooted
Language["fr"]Currency: XOF
CategoryCarnival & ParadeFestival type
The story

Popo Carnaval de Bonoua in Bonoua

Popo Carnaval de Bonoua is a long-running Ivorian carnival rooted in Aboure masquerade traditions, running for decades and covering nearly two weeks each April in the Sud-Comoe town of Bonoua. Elaborately costumed Popo masquerade figures anchor the street parades, alongside music, dance troupes and the crowning of a carnival queen. The event offers a more grounded, local alternative to Abidjan's bigger public festivals.

Popo Carnaval de Bonoua is one of Cote d'Ivoire's longest-running carnivals, running for decades and rooted in the masquerade traditions of the Aboure community around Bonoua, a town in the Sud-Comoe region east of Abidjan.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

01 Masquerade heritage: Popo masks, rooted in Aboure tradition, give the carnival its name and visual centerpiece

02

The mystery stays covered

02 Long run: each edition spans nearly two weeks rather than a single weekend

03

The city starts moving

03 Established history: decades of consecutive editions make it one of Cote d'Ivoire's most enduring carnivals

04

The water draws everyone in

04 Queen crowning: a public competition and coronation adds a ceremonial highlight to the parade days

05

The old stones answer

05 Local scale: Bonoua's modest size keeps the parade route and crowd more intimate than Abidjan's events

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The carnival's core tradition is the Popo masquerade itself

Water and renewal

Living ritual

carved and costumed figures tied to Aboure cultural practice

The sacred route

Living ritual

paired with a queen-crowning competition that has anchored the event across its 45 editions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually April

Getting around

Expect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.

What to wear

Wear light, breathable clothing suited to Cote d'Ivoire's heat and humidity, closed comfortable shoes for standing in street crowds, and keep valuables secure and close during the densest...

Safety

Keep valuables light, set a meeting point, and give processions room to move.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Bonoua you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Many carnival moments are public, but confirm paid areas or stands before travel.

Language/currency

["fr"] · XOF

Family friendly

unknown

Bonoua, Sud-Comoe, Cote d'Ivoire

Nearest airportABJ — Félix-Houphouët-Boigny
TransportExpect street closures, dense pedestrian flow, and slow exits. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Bonoua you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.
FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Popo Carnaval de Bonoua?

Popo Carnaval de Bonoua is listed for Past edition: 6–19 April 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Popo Carnaval de Bonoua take place?

The festival is listed in Bonoua, Cote d'Ivoire. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

14 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Bonoua, Sud-Comoe, Cote d'Ivoire

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLaip.ci
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually April
Source statusOfficial source linked

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →