Vodun Days celebrations have officially begun in Ouidah, Benin, marking the start of a three-day annual festival dedicated to the country’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The events are taking place in the sacred Kpassè Forest and surrounding historic sites.

The opening day drew large crowds as traditional ceremonies and performances set the tone for the celebrations, with colorful rituals highlighting the deep-rooted practices of Vodun culture.

One of the highlights of the day was the Egungun mask parade at Maro Square, where performers in elaborate costumes paid homage to ancestral spirits, drawing enthusiastic reactions from festivalgoers.

Vodun, an animist belief system centered on nature, spirituality, and ancestral connections, remains a core part of Benin’s cultural identity and continues to influence social and religious life across the country.

Rebranded as Vodun Days in 2024, the annual festival attracts thousands of visitors from across Africa and beyond each January, reinforcing Ouidah’s status as a global center of Vodun heritage and cultural tourism.