Festival celebrating Benin's Voodoo religion draws thousands

(10 Jan 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Ouidah, Benin - 10 January 2025
1. Mid of women playing traditional music instrument
2. Various of women dancing
3. Various close of onlookers
4. Various of Zangbeto masquerades performing
5. SOUNDBITE (English), Carolina Alzati-Gozy, Tourist:
“I am here in the Vodun Festival because I want to learn a lot more about the Voodoo religion, I'm very interested how it is related to nature, how it is also connected to political issues, it is connected to the kingdom. So, I'm very happy to be here in the festival and get to know the people and also the dances, very very interested to get to know a little bit more about that.”
6. Various of Voodoo worshippers dancing
7. SOUNDBITE (French) Nicolas Gille, Tourist:
"This festival is important to open Vodun culture to the world. By this festival, Ouidah and Benin Republic want to develop the tourist industry. It’s a good way to link culture and tourism."
8. Various of Voodoo worshippers dancing
9. SOUNDBITE (French) Christian Houetchenou, the Mayor of Ouidah:
"The Vodun Day festival has a very big impact on the local economy. Local businesses like restaurants, hotels, and motorcycle taxis-all these businesses benefit from Vodun day. Even home owners sublet their homes for visitors who come here for the festival."
10. Mid of Zangbeto masquerades performing
11. Mid of Vodun worshipper
12. Mid of visitors
STORYLINE:
The Ouidah community in Benin played host to thousands of visitors on Friday for the 2025 Voodoo Festival.
The annual festival featured traditional ceremonies, dances, and rituals that offer deep insights into the spiritual practices of the region.
One of the world’s oldest religions, Voodoo, originated in the kingdom of Dahomey - present-day Benin - and is rooted in animism.
It is the belief that all things, from rocks and trees to animals and places, have a spirit.
Voodoo plays a central role in the nation’s cultural identity since it was recognized as an official religion in Benin since January 10 1996,
AP Video shot by Dan Ikpoyi
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