Voodoo is an ancestral religion that occupies a central place in the culture and identity of Benin. Every year, the country celebrates voodoo during Vodun Days, an event which takes place in the town of Ouidah, considered the cradle of this spiritual tradition.
The festivities begin with the bustling city squares, where drums resonate and dancers take over the space. In front of the Temple of the Pythons, the emblematic symbol of Voodoo, the faithful gather to honor their belief. The supreme leader of voodoo, Daagbo Hounon, is present to lead the ceremonies and convey wishes for happiness and prosperity for the new year.
The esplanade of the Python temple is not the only place where voodoo is celebrated in Ouidah. On the square of the French fort, the Zangbeto take over. These guardians of the night, dressed in straw costumes and astonishing conical shapes, spin around to protect villages from malevolent spirits. The crowd gathers to watch their captivating dance, a truly fascinating spectacle.
The voodoo festival is also marked by the presence of ghosts, the spirits of the deceased who are called to join the celebrations. Colorfully dressed and masked, they begin to dance under the watchful gaze of the President of Benin, Patrice Talon, and other faithful. This tradition testifies to the strong link between voodoo and the spirituality of the Beninese.
The festivities continue until the end of the night with a concert on the beach, where renowned artists such as Koffi Olomidé and Tabou Combo are on the bill. Music and dance continue to play an important role in the celebration of Voodoo, reflecting the vitality of this religion and its community.
It is essential to emphasize that voodoo is not associated with witchcraft, contrary to the stereotypes that may have been conveyed. Mahougnon Kakpo, president of the committee of voodoo rites of Benin, affirms that voodoo is a religion in its own right, deeply linked to the spirituality of the Beninese. He also recalls that the negative discourse surrounding voodoo was used by colonizers to impose their own religion, while indigenous populations were attached to their voodoo practices.
The Vodun Days in Ouidah are therefore an opportunity to celebrate and promote the cultural and spiritual wealth of Benin through voodoo. It is an event that allows the Beninese to come together, reconnect with their traditions and share their pride in their unique cultural heritage.