Brazilian filmmaker and educator Gregorio Almeida has delved deep into Benin’s rich spiritual and cultural tapestry. His exploration has taken him from Ouidah’s Slave Museum to the historic Door of No Return, fueled by a quest to unravel the complexities of Vodun—a faith frequently misinterpreted and stigmatized in his home country and elsewhere.
“I came here to learn more about Vodun because in Brazil, there’s always a misconception about what Vodun is,” Almeida explained. “In Brazil, we know we are Afro-descendants through religion, but we don’t know Vodun deeply. Here, I’m beginning to understand the philosophy behind it.” His experience aligns with Benin’s annual Vodun Days, a festival aimed at celebrating and demystifying this African spiritual tradition.
Vodun, often associated with danger or witchcraft, has deep historical roots in Benin and has influenced the spiritual practices of the African diaspora, particularly in the Americas. These connections were forged during the transatlantic slave trade, when millions of Africans were forcibly displaced. Today, Vodun Days serve not only as a cultural celebration but also as a step toward historical reconciliation.
For Guy Georges Assogba, Secretary General of the Afro-descendant Mass Tourism Program, the festival represents a means of addressing historical injustices. “The first reparation is allowing people to return to their roots,” Assogba stated. “They were torn from their land and abandoned as souls without labels. Benin is working to reconnect these lost ancestors to their homeland.”
The festival highlights the cultural continuity of Vodun in Benin, where its teachings and practices have been passed down through generations. For practitioners like Ornella Tchiaka, Vodun is more than a belief system—it is a family tradition. “I was born in the convent of the deity,” Tchiaka shared. “These things come from my ancestors. They practiced it, and I continue it.”
Recognizing the importance of Vodun as part of its national identity, the Beninese government has taken steps to position the religion as a source of cultural pride and economic opportunity. The three-day festival was designed not only to counter stereotypes but also to promote Vodun’s spiritual and philosophical significance to global audiences.
Bakary Olushegun, Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,emphasized the importance of reframing Vodun in the public eye. “Vodun is not something evil, as it has often been portrayed,” Olushegun stated. “It is our culture, the essence of who we are.” By dispelling negative perceptions, the government seeks to foster a renewed sense of pride among Benin’s citizens and its diaspora while encouraging international understanding of Vodun’s rich heritage.
Beyond cultural preservation, Vodun Days also serve as a platform for economic development. By drawing tourists and potential investors to Benin, the government aims to showcase Vodun as an integral part of the nation’s identity and an opportunity for cultural tourism. “Benin wants to attract investors,” Assogba noted. “Through these Vodun Days, the government demonstrates that Vodun is not just a religion—it is a philosophy and a way of life.”
The festival has broader implications for the African diaspora. For many descendants of enslaved Africans, Vodun Days offer a chance to reconnect with their ancestral roots and gain a deeper understanding of their heritage. The celebration also serves as a powerful counter-narrative to centuries of colonial and cultural misrepresentation.
By reclaiming Vodun as a source of pride and cultural strength, Benin is redefining its identity for the modern era. The annual celebration provides an inclusive space for education and connection, helping locals and visitors alike appreciate the profound influence of Vodun on the African diaspora. In doing so, Benin is not only honoring its past but also forging a future where its cultural heritage is a cornerstone of national and global recognition.
