Moro-Naba Ceremony
A short ceremony held every Friday at the Mossi emperor's palace in Ouagadougou.
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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.
What you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.