Glidji
A Guin town near Aného where the sacred stone is taken up each year, inscribed by UNESCO.
Updated 4 September 2026
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Glidji near Aného is the seat of the Guin people, and each September the Epe Ekpe ceremony takes place there: priests enter the sacred wood and bring out a stone whose colour is read as the omen for the coming year, white for peace and plenty, red or black for difficulty. The whole Guin country gathers for it. UNESCO inscribed the rites in 2025.
The main sights
- The sacred stone - the object taken from the wood and read for the year ahead.
- The Epe Ekpe - the Guin new year ceremony held each September.
- The sacred wood - the grove the stone is taken from.
- The 2025 inscription - the UNESCO listing of the rites.
When to go
The ceremony falls in September, on a date set by the priests and announced shortly beforehand. November to March is the dry season otherwise. The town is quiet outside the ceremony.
Practical notes
The ceremony is a religious observance and access to parts of it is restricted by custom. Dates are announced late and cannot be planned far ahead. Outside it there is little to see in the town.
Nearby
Aného is south, and Togoville is northwest.
What to pack for Glidji
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
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. 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 scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
