Moro-Naba Ceremony
A short ceremony held every Friday at the Mossi emperor's palace in Ouagadougou.
Updated 3 September 2026
Every Friday at first light the court of the Moro-Naba, the emperor of the Mossi, assembles outside his palace in Ouagadougou for a ceremony lasting a few minutes: the ruler appears dressed for war as though to ride out and avenge a historical grievance, his ministers dissuade him, he withdraws and returns in white, and the court disperses. It has been performed weekly for centuries and is not staged for visitors.
The main sights
- The Friday assembly - the court gathering outside the palace at first light.
- The false departure - the ruler appearing dressed for war and being dissuaded.
- The change of dress - the return in white that ends the ceremony.
- The continuity - a rite performed weekly for centuries.
When to go
Friday mornings only, starting around seven; arrive early. It runs year round. There is nothing to see on other days.
Things to know
The ceremony lasts only a few minutes and photography is prohibited and enforced. Dress and behaviour expectations are strict. Arriving late means missing it entirely.
Nearby
The National Museum is elsewhere in Ouagadougou, and Bangr-Weoogo is north.
What to pack for Moro-Naba Ceremony
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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