OUIDAH, Benin — In the vibrant town of Ouidah, children energetically dance in colorful attire, resonating with the rhythm of drumbeats and the chants of nearby troupes, invoking the presence of gods and spirits. The air is filled with a mix of anticipation for peace and prosperity as locals and visitors alike immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of celebration.

This historic locale in southern Benin serves as a significant hub for spiritual practices, hosting the annual Voodoo festival. This event showcases a fusion of religion and tourism, illustrating how traditional beliefs can meld seamlessly with contemporary life.

The festival took place over the past weekend, with Voodoo day being celebrated as a time for “returning to the source for all Africans and Afro-descendants,” explained Christian Houetchenou, the mayor of Ouidah. The event emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one’s cultural roots, artistic expressions, and spiritual practices associated with Voodoo, according to Houetchenou.

Over the years, the festival has gained traction, attracting thousands of participants from both local communities and international destinations. Organizers note that attendees are drawn to experience one of the world’s oldest religions firsthand, enhancing the town’s reputation as a cultural beacon.

Officials are keen to maximize the tourism potential of the festival, seeking to highlight the rich heritage and traditions of Benin. Suzanne Celeste Delaunay Belleville, a prominent Voodoo priestess clad in beads and a white robe, expressed that the event showcases the vibrancy, beauty, and significance of Voodoo, as well as the spirit of the Beninese people and their African counterparts.

The festival is marked by traditional rituals, dance performances, and ceremonial offerings. Voodoo itself, which features a spiritual leader known as the pope since the 1400s, draws heavily from the cultural narratives of the Yoruba people in Nigeria and reflects various aspects of traditional religions across the West African region, including influences from Togo and Ghana.

Throughout Ouidah, numerous altars and shrines can be found, with trees, wooden carvings, and structural walls adorned with images of deities and spirits that are continually honored by followers.

Many visitors travel to the festival to capture the moment or to deepen their understanding of Voodoo. Individuals like Jaimie Lyne from Guadeloupe are intrigued by the festival, seeking to discover the authenticity behind the perceptions they’ve encountered about Voodoo practices. Inspired by her mother’s visit to Benin earlier in the year, Lyne noted that prior to her trip, she had only encountered depictions of Voodoo as “demonized” and “archaic.”

However, her experiences revealed a different narrative. “I’ve learned that Vodun merits understanding and exploration,” stated Lyne, a data analyst. “It embodies a deep connection with the Earth and its elements, highlighting how every effect in our world, from storms to sunlight, has its place in this cultural context.”

Festivals like this are crucial for communities to project their narratives and cultural significance, explained Belleville. “It is essential that we articulate our stories ourselves,” she emphasized. “No one can represent us better than we can.”