Bohicon, Benin
Region: Zou Department
Geographic Coordinates: 7.200000, 2.066700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 149271
Language: Fon
Bohicon is a city situated in the central region of Benin, West Africa. It is the biggest city in the Zou Department and plays a significant role as an economic and cultural center for the area. The population of this city is around 150, 000 people, And it is renowned for its lively markets, Historic sites, And traditional festivals. The Royal Palace of Abomey stands out as one of Bohicon’s most famous landmarks. In 1985, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
This palace was once home to Dahomey kings and boasts intricate carvings on its walls that depict everyday life scenes. Visitors can also explore traditional artifacts such as thrones, Weapons, And musical instruments at the palace museum. Another attraction that draws visitors to Bohicon are its bustling markets. The Grand Marché de Bohicon is one of Benin’s largest outdoor markets where you can find various goods ranging from textiles to jewelry to food items and souvenirs. Traditional healers who sell herbal remedies for different ailments can also be found here.
Bohicon hosts several annual festivals that showcase local culture and traditions such as Fête de la Vannerie (Basket Festival) which honors artistry involved in creating woven baskets made from natural materials like palm leaves or straw; Fête des Masques (Mask Festival) features colorful performances by dancers wearing elaborate masks representing different spirits or deities. Apart from being rich in cultural attractions, Bohicon serves as an essential transportation hub for central Benin with train stations connecting major cities like Cotonou or Parakou while bus stations offer transportation options to other parts of Benin or neighboring countries like Togo or Nigeria.
Bohicon offers visitors an opportunity to experience unique aspects of Beninese culture through its historic landmarks, Vibrant markets plus traditional festivals while serving as a convenient base for exploring other parts of this beautiful country.
- The Royal Palace of Bohicon: This historic palace once served as the home to the kings of Bohicon.
- The Musée de la Résistance de Zou-Collines: This museum showcases the history of the resistance movement against French colonialism in Benin.
- The Notre-Dame Cathedral: A beautiful Catholic church with impressive stained-glass windows.
- The Parc des Princes: It is a large public park that features walking trails and picnic areas.
- The Marché International de Dantokpa: One of West Africa’s largest markets where you can find everything from traditional fabrics to fresh produce.
- The Abomey Historical Museum: Located about 30 minutes from Bohicon, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Fon people who once ruled over Dahomey (now Benin).
- Ganvie Stilt Village: Located on Lake Nokoue near Cotonou (about an hour’s drive from Bohicon), this unique village is built entirely on stilts above water and is known for its colorful houses and bustling marketplaces.
- Pendjari National Park – Another attraction near Bohicon which offers wildlife viewing opportunities including elephants, lions, hippos among others in their natural habitat
- Agriculture
- Trading
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Banking
- Education
- Healthcare
- Tourism
The city is known for its fertile land which produces agricultural products such as:
- Cassava
- Maize
- Yams
- Palm oil
Traders sell various goods at the bustling market including:
- Textiles
- Foodstuff
- Household items
- Crafts
There are several small-scale manufacturing companies in Bohicon that produce goods like:
- Soap
- Shoes
- Clothing
The city serves as a transportation hub for the region with a busy bus station that connects to other parts of the country. Several banks have branches in Bohicon providing financial services to the residents.
Bohicon has several schools and educational institutions including:
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Vocational training centers
- Universities such as Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC)
There are also several hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to the residents.
Although not a major industry yet but there are some tourist attractions in Bohicon such as the Royal Palace of Abomey which is a UNESCO World Heritage site located nearby.
- The Kingdom of Dahomey was a powerful West African kingdom that existed from the 17th to the 19th century, with Bohicon being an important city within it.
- King Ghezo, who ruled from 1818 to 1858, is one of the most notable rulers of Dahomey. He is known for his military campaigns and for abolishing human sacrifice in his kingdom.
- France abolished slavery in its colonies, including Dahomey, in 1848 which led to significant changes in Bohicon and other parts of Benin.
- In the late 19th century, France established a colonial presence in Benin and made Bohicon an administrative center.
- Aguessy Boulevard is one of the main streets in Bohicon named after Aguessy Houessou who was a prominent political figure and traditional chief during the colonial period.
- The National Museum of Ethnography and Applied Arts has exhibits related to Bohicon’s history and culture despite being located in Porto-Novo.
- Zinsou Foundation Contemporary Art Center features contemporary art exhibitions by artists from Africa and around the world near Bohicon.
- Drissa Ballo (1929-2010) was a well-known Malian musician who lived much of his life in Benin performing with local musicians including those from Bohicon.
- Alain Capo Chichi (b.1980) is a contemporary artist from Benin whose work explores themes related to identity and cultural heritage gaining international recognition.
- Karimou Karimou (b1951) borned in Bohicon played for both national team of Benin as well as Stade Rennais FC as a former footballer.
- Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Bohicon
- Temple des Pythons
- Mausolée de Kaba
- Place Goho
- Palais Royal de Bohicon
- Marché Central de Bohicon
- Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption
- Parc National W du Bénin (located nearby)
- Fête de l’Ewé is a traditional festival celebrated by the Ewe people of Bohicon. It usually takes place in September and involves dancing, singing, and feasting.
- Festival des Arts et Cultures du Zou is an annual cultural festival held in Bohicon that celebrates the arts and culture of the Zou region of Benin. The festival features music, dance performances, art exhibitions, and traditional food.
- Fête de la Sainte Trinité is a religious festival celebrated by Catholics in Bohicon on Trinity Sunday (the Sunday after Pentecost). It involves a procession through the streets with statues of saints and other religious figures.
- Festival International de la Mode Africaine (FIMA) takes place annually in Cotonou (about 60 km from Bohicon) and attracts designers from all over Africa to showcase their work.
- Festival National des Arts et Cultures Vodoun celebrates the rich spiritual heritage of Benin’s vodoun religion with music, dance performances, rituals, and other cultural activities. While it doesn’t take place specifically in Bohicon every year, it has been hosted there multiple times over the years due to its central location within Benin’s vodoun heartland.
- Pâte d’Arachide: a peanut-based sauce served with rice or yams.
- Kplo: a dish made with cassava flour and served with a spicy tomato sauce.
- Akassa: fermented corn dough cooked in banana leaves.
- Poulet Yassa: marinated chicken cooked in onions, lemon juice, and mustard.
- Restaurant Chez Sabine: known for its grilled meat dishes and local specialties like pâte d’arachide.
- Maquis La Belle Etoile: serves traditional Beninese dishes like akassa, kplo, and grilled meat.
- Restaurant Le Jardin de la Paix: offers a variety of African and European dishes as well as live music performances.
- Restaurant Le Bénin Gourmand: specializes in seafood dishes like grilled fish and shrimp skewers.
- Le Palmier Hotel & Restaurant: serves local cuisine as well as international dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- Maquis La Belle Vie Bohiconaise : offers traditional Beninese meals such as akassa, kplo or poulet yassa along with other African delicacies like jollof rice or fried plantains (alloco).
- Parc des Princes de Bohicon is a public park that offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.
- Centre Culturel et de Loisirs de Bohicon is a cultural center that provides various recreational activities such as dance classes, music lessons, and theater performances.
- Stade Municipal de Bohicon serves as a municipal stadium that hosts local sporting events and competitions.
- Marché Central de Bohicon is a bustling market where visitors can shop for local goods and souvenirs.
- Lac Ahémé is a nearby lake that provides fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
- La Forêt Classée d’Agonlin is a protected forest area that attracts hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
- Jardin Botanique et Zoologique d’Abomey-Calavi – located about an hour’s drive from Bohicon – this botanical garden and zoo features exotic plants and animals from around the world.
