The Gaani Festival is a vibrant annual celebration in Nikki, Benin, honoring Bariba heritage with majestic horse parades, traditional dances, and cultural rituals. It fosters unity between Bariba communities across Benin and Nigeria, blending religious devotion and historic pride.

The festival marks the birth of Prophet Muhammad and commemorates the Bartonum people’s migration, featuring three days of music, acrobatics, prayers, and the crowning of traditional leaders. With over 50,000 attendees, Gaani is one of West Africa’s most colorful and culturally rich festivals.