Benin unmasks its cultural and spiritual heritage

Spectators poured into Benin's capital for a new festival celebrating traditional masks over the weekend as the West African country seeks to attract visitors and showcase its cultural heritage.

The Porto Novo Mask Festival drew participants from across Benin as well as neighbouring Togo and Burkina Faso.

There was excitement in the crowd as spectators caught sight of some masked and costumed figures rarely seen outside their respective regions.

The main street hummed with traditional music while officials and members of the public watched displays of acrobatics and stilt-walkers perched on eight-metre poles.