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OUIDAH, Benin — In a vibrant display of culture and spirituality, children energetically dance in colorful attire, while the rhythmic beats of drums and spirited chants from various dance groups fill the air. The gathering attracts the attention of visitors both local and foreign, as participants invoke the presence of deities for blessings of peace and prosperity.
This is the historic town of Ouidah, located in southern Benin, which serves as a significant center for the veneration of gods and spirits. The annual Voodoo festival, celebrated last weekend, merges tourism with traditional religious beliefs, reflecting how ancient customs can seamlessly integrate into contemporary life. According to Ouidah’s mayor, Christian Houetchenou, Voodoo Day symbolizes the “return to the roots for all Africans and those of African descent,” emphasizing the importance of living one’s culture, art, and spiritual practices.
The festival has seen a rise in popularity over the years, attracting thousands from both Africa and beyond who come to the coastal town to witness one of the world’s oldest religions. Local officials view this event not only as a cultural celebration but also as an opportunity to harness and promote the tourism potential of Benin’s rich traditions and heritage.
“This festival serves to highlight the beauty, importance and vibrant spirit of Voodoo, and inherently the essence of the Beninese and African identity,” remarked the Voodoo priestess, Suzanne Celeste Delaunay Belleville, adorned in a white robe and an array of beads.
The festival is characterized by traditional rituals, dances, and various ceremonies, including incantations and offerings. Voodoo, a faith that features a spiritual leader akin to a pope, integrates elements from the Yoruba cultural heritage of southwestern Nigeria, and echoes aspects of traditional religions found in neighboring Togo and Ghana.
Throughout Ouidah, numerous shrines and altars are present, with every element—from wooden sculptures to natural features—portraying the multitude of gods and spirits venerated day and night by practitioners and their followers.
Many international attendees come to capture the festivities and make lasting memories, such as Jaimie Lyne from Guadeloupe. Her interest in Voodoo stemmed from her mother’s visit to Benin earlier this year, which ignited her curiosity about the cultural narratives surrounding the religion. Prior to her trip, Lyne’s perceptions were shaped by reports that labeled Voodoo as “demonized” and “outdated,” but her experiences in Ouidah revealed a more nuanced reality.
“What I will take back to the Caribbean is the understanding that Vodun is a meaningful practice,” shared Lyne, who works as a data analyst. “It’s about a connection with the land and its elements, and it explains the interactions we have with nature, whether it’s rain, sunshine, or other worldly experiences.”
The longevity of the festival is attributed to its role in empowering individuals to express their culture and share their stories, Belleville reflects. “It is vital for us to communicate our narrative ourselves; no one can portray our identity better than we can,” she articulated.
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