Ouidah, Benin - The first international festival to celebrate “vodun” culture is taking place in Ouidah, Benin, this week.
Also called voodoo, vodun is a religion in West Africa practiced by various ethnic groups but Benin is aiming to project it as an integral pillar of its heritage and identity.
Events this week will go beyond rituals in enclosed spaces to include public performances in Ouidah’s redesigned squares and tourist sites, involving acclaimed African artists from Nigeria’s Yemi Alade to Congolese star Koffi Olomide.
The week is expected to reach its peak with a ‘Grand Vodun Ceremony’ and a late night concert featuring artists who draw inspiration from vodun culture.
