The Voodoo Festival in Benin, Timkat in Ethiopia and Surva in Bulgaria: a privileged insight into the spirituality, folklore and identity of each people.
January 2026 offers those seeking to get off the beaten track a chance to immerse themselves in the living traditions of three fascinating countries.
Three trips, three cultures, three festivals
January often means routine, cold and a difficult return to work. For restless travellers with passports ready, Viatges Tuareg offers three routes in three countries, each centred on a very different festival. All promise surprises.
Benin: Voodoo Festival, the magical animism of the Gulf of Guinea
A journey into the Gulf of Guinea’s spiritual heart, where voodoo is a way of life. Ouidah’s festival has an energy words cannot capture: dances, offerings, altars and a connection with the invisible that challenges assumptions. Beyond the festival, sail the Mono River, visit Somba villages with fortress-like homes and meet traditional spiritual practitioners whose gaze seems to read your soul.
Ethiopia: The south and Timkat celebrations in Lalibela
Timkat, Ethiopia's Epiphany, takes centre stage on this journey, celebrated with moving devotion in Lalibela. Processions carrying tabots, chants and the blessing of water are rich in symbolism. The trip also heads south to the Omo Valley, home to Mursi, Hamer and Karo peoples preserving ancient traditions, scarification, rituals and markets that seem from another age. It is demanding, but among Africa's most authentic journeys.
Bulgaria: Surva Festival Special
Closer and shorter, but equally striking. Surva in Pernik is an ancient carnival where kukeri in masks and fur costumes parade to drive away evil spirits: colour, noise, tradition and community. The trip also includes Sofia, Plovdiv, Rila and Bachkovo monasteries, and historic villages straight out of a winter tale. Add snow, thermal baths and Bulgarian wine: what more could you want?
Comparison of the three trips
Three trips, three ways of seeing the world: spiritual Africa, tribal Africa and Europe’s folk traditions. None is better than another. Choose the one that sparks your interest this January.
| Benin | Ethiopia | Bulgaria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days | 13 days | 8 days |
| Departure | 7 January 2026 | 10 January 2026 | 20 January 2026 |
| Type | Animist religious festival | Orthodox Christian religious festival | Folk carnival |
| Base price | From 2,070 € + taxes | From 2,820 € + taxes | From 1,280 € + taxes |
| Climate | Wet tropical | Dry in the south, cool in the north | Continental cold, possible snow |
| Festival | Voodoo Festival | Timkat in Lalibela | Surva Festival |
| Focus | Ethnography and rituals | Spirituality and ethnic diversity | History, architecture and folklore |
| Accommodation | Basic in rural areas | Variable, simple accommodations | 3–4 star hotels |
| Transport | Private + canoes | 4×4 in the south, minibus in the north | Minibus or van |
Three trips in January
Surva Festival in Bulgaria
Surva is one of Bulgaria’s most colourful and exciting festivals. Held in Pernik at the end of January, it attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the world. It is famous for its kukeri parades: dancers in traditional costumes and elaborate masks perform rituals to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck for the new year.
Bulgaria✔️ Departure 19 JAN 2025
✔️ Price from 1570€
Ethiopia: Timkat Festival
The north, land of ancient Christianity and ancestral monuments, offers the traveler the opportunity to experience the unique vitality of Ethiopians during one of their most important religious celebrations: the Timkat.
✔️ Departure 10 JAN 2026
✔️ Price from 2820€
Voodoo Festival in Benin
Benin’s Voodoo Festival is a unique celebration held every year on 10 January in Ouidah, the cradle of voodoo. It offers an exceptional opportunity to experience traditions and practices that have been integral to Beninese culture for centuries. During the festival, you can witness rituals, dances and ceremonies honouring voodoo spirits and deities.
✔️ Departure 7 JAN 2026
✔️ Price from 2070€
