Foto: The voodoo festival of Ouidah (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Benin - January 10th is celebrated across Benin as Voodoo Day. All over the country, voodoo ceremonies take place. The largest festival is held in Ouidah, right on the beach behind the "Porte du Non-Retour" (Gate of No Return). The president of Benin and the King of Voodoo also attend this festival. At 10 a.m., we drive towards Ouidah in our own bus. The road to the beach is much busier today than it was a few days ago. At the festival grounds, there are crowds everywhere. Countless motorbikes are parked in long rows, and we are directed to the large parking lot. I’m impressed by how well the event is organized. From time to time, a police car passes through to drop off a dignitary. Walking through the Porte du Non-Retour, I see a large square laid out on the beach. Around it are covered stands with plastic chairs. On the right side is the VIP grandstand. In the middle, a stage is set up with a covered platform for speakers. Anani warns us not to take photos. Cameras will be confiscated if you don’t have an official photo badge. I buy a special photo pass for 16,000 CFA. It’s around 16 euros, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Apparently, different voodoo groups along the sides also have their own badges. Under the covered stands, various groups showcase dances — almost like a competition. When the festival begins, the central area is cleared. Everyone must stand behind the stands. To my surprise, my photo badge allows me to move freely across the field. That means I can stand right next to the main stage, among film crews and professional photographers. However, we are asked to keep low to avoid obstructing the view from the stands. The performances begin with dance, drumming, and acrobatics. It's a magnificent sight. I’m even able to take close-up photos of the president and the Voodoo king.
Stilt Houses of Ganvié
Benin - After nearly three hours of sailing, the stilt city of Ganvié appears before us. Hundreds of wooden houses stand on stilts above the lake. Ganvié originally emerged during the time of the slave trade. Inhabitants from the mainland fled to the water ...