Voodoo Day
Voodoo Day or Fête du Vodoun is a ceremony or festival performed in the city of Ouidah in Benin. It is often misunderstood as Voodoo religion practice. The festival itself is not a religion or religious practice! This traditional day is often celebrated as a public holiday in Benin to celebrate the rich culture and history surrounding West Africa’s religion called Vodoun. Vodoun and voodoo practices were thought to be illegal. However, the ban was officially lifted and Vodoun was officially recognized as a religion in West Africa during 1996. Throughout the country, the celebration of the Voodoo day festival starts on the 10th of January. This festival is filled with singing and dancing and the drinking of lots of liquor. Gin is the most preferred liquor. The festival, however, begins by slaughtering a goat or a ram to please the spirits. Continue reading
