Voodoo festival draws tourists to Benin’s spiritual heart

In the ancient town of Ouidah, Benin, vibrant drumbeats and colorful dances bring life to the annual Voodoo festival. Children twirl in flowing robes while elders summon spirits for blessings, surrounded by curious onlookers capturing every moment with their cameras.

This unique event in southern Benin is a spiritual and cultural mecca, blending traditional beliefs with modern tourism. The festival, celebrated last weekend, highlights the enduring power of Voodoo, one of the world’s oldest religions.

Christian Houetchenou, Ouidah’s mayor, called the celebration “a return to the source for all Africans and Afro-descendants.” For many, it is an opportunity to reconnect with heritage, spirituality, and art, as the festival continues to draw thousands of locals and foreigners alike.

Visitors from across the globe, like Jaimie Lyne from Guadeloupe, come seeking the truth behind Voodoo’s mystique. “It’s a culture of communion with the land and elements,” Lyne shared, emphasizing its misunderstood richness.

The festival also serves as a platform to showcase Benin’s culture to the world. Suzanne Celeste Delaunay Belleville, a Voodoo priestess, described it as a testament to the beauty and spirit of the Beninese people. “No one can better talk about us than ourselves,” she said, adorned in her ceremonial white robe and beads.

Rooted in African traditions, Voodoo borrows heavily from Yoruba mythology and mirrors practices across West Africa, including Togo and Ghana. The festival features rituals, chants, and offerings, set against a backdrop of shrines adorned with portraits of gods and spirits.

Officials hope the festival will not only preserve their heritage but also unlock Benin’s tourism potential. “This is more than a festival; it’s our story,” said Belleville, her voice echoing the spirit of Ouidah itself.

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