[8] Animism and other traditional beliefs are minority religions in modern Burkina Faso, with estimates indicating they are practiced by between 7.8[9] and 15 percent[10] of the population.

[3][11] The thirteenth edition of the festival was held from February 27 to March 5, 2016, and featured masks from over 50 communities from six West African countries: Burkina Faso, Benin, Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, and Togo.

[2][12] ASAMA estimated 100,000 people attended the event,[2] including more than 2,000 international tourists.

[13] The primary events of FESTIMA are the performances, where mask wearers dance, accompanied by musicians playing hand drums, whistles, and balafons.

[2] FESTIMA also includes seminars on historical and cultural topics, storytelling competitions, educational events for children, and a marketplace.