The Kingdom of Dahomey fell in 1894, but its spirit never died. Today, the heritage of Dahomey is visible everywhere in Benin: in the ceremonial authority of the current king, in the Vodoun ceremonies that still follow the rhythms set by the royal ancestors, in the Fon cuisine served in Abomey's markets, and in the diaspora that carries Dahomean traditions across the Atlantic.
This page is the entry point to the silo dedicated to Dahomey's living heritage. It explores how the kingdom persists — not as a museum piece, but as a living culture.
The current king of Dahomey
Contrary to what many believe, the Dahomey monarchy did not completely disappear. Since the 1990s, the role of king has been restored in a ceremonial and cultural capacity. The current king, Dah Sagbrou Glélé, presides over traditional ceremonies, represents the royal lineage at state events and maintains the traditions of the palace. While he holds no political power, his authority in cultural and spiritual matters is widely respected.
Learn more about the current king of Dahomey and whether there are still kings in Benin today.
Vodoun as living religion
Vodoun is not a historical curiosity — it is a living religion practised by millions of Beninese. The Vodoun deities that guided the decisions of the Dahomey kings are still worshipped today. The Vodoun Festival on January 10 draws thousands of participants and spectators. Vodoun convents continue to initiate new priests and priestesses, preserving the spiritual knowledge of the Fon people.
Fon cuisine: What to eat in Abomey
The culinary traditions of the Dahomey kingdom survive in the dishes served in Abomey and throughout Benin. Fon cuisine is based on maize, yams, beans and palm oil. Dishes like pâte (a maize or yam-based dough served with sauce), ablo (steamed maize cakes) and telibɔ (a local gin) have their roots in the royal kitchens of Dahomey. Street food in Abomey's markets offers the most authentic taste of this culinary heritage.
Discover Fon cuisine and what to eat in Abomey.
The diaspora: Dahomey across the Atlantic
The Dahomey diaspora — descendants of captives taken during the Atlantic slave trade — maintains strong cultural ties to Benin. In Brazil, the Candomblé religion preserves Vodoun deities. In Haiti, Vodou retains the language and rituals of Dahomey. The Aguda community in Benin itself is a living link between Brazil and West Africa, descendants of Afro-Brazilian returnees who brought Brazilian culture back to their ancestral homeland.
The woman king and global recognition
The 2022 film The Woman King brought the story of the Dahomey Amazons to a global audience. The film sparked intense interest in Dahomey history, tourism to Benin and discussions about historical accuracy. In 2024, Mati Diop's documentary Dahomey won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, further cementing Dahomey's place in global culture.
Explore the historical accuracy of The Woman King and Mati Diop's Dahomey (2024) decoded.
Frequently asked questions about Dahomey today
Does the kingdom of Dahomey still exist?
The Kingdom of Dahomey no longer exists as a political state, but it continues as a cultural monarchy. The current king holds ceremonial authority and maintains the traditions of the royal court.
Who is the current king of Dahomey?
The current king is Dah Sagbrou Glélé, who ascended the throne in 2018. He is a descendant of King Glele and presides over traditional ceremonies at the royal palace.
Are the Dahomey amazons still alive?
The last known Mino warrior died in the 1970s. However, their legacy lives on in modern Dahomey culture and in global popular culture.
Where can i experience Dahomey culture today?
The best place to experience Dahomey culture is Abomey, with its Royal Palaces and Historical Museum. The Vodoun Festival in January and the annual ceremonies at the royal palace are also unmissable.
Plan your visit
To experience Dahomey's living heritage firsthand, plan a visit to Abomey. The Royal Palaces, the Historical Museum and the vibrant street life of the city offer a direct connection to three centuries of kingdom history.
