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Arts, Culture & Spirituality in Benin: Photos From Vodun Days 2025

Benin is widely regarded as the birthplace of Vodun, a religion practiced in various forms by the majority of its population. Derived from the Fon word for "spirit," Vodún centers on the belief that spirits reside in all things and can be influenced by Vodún priests for both benevolent and malevolent purposes.
Sputnik
The Vodun Days 2025, the first international event dedicated to the arts, culture, and Vodun spirituality, is being held in the Benin city of Ouidah from January 9 to 11. These include Vodun Hounvè dances, the appearances of Zangbétos, the guardians of the night, and Egunguns bearing the masks that represent ancestors, deity processions, and open-air concerts along the seafront.
The Vodun Days offer daytime monastic excursions in the city and on the beach, taking place at iconic sites like Place Maro and the Temple of the Pythons. The beachside Arena of Ouidah will be inaugurated with unique shows.
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A voodoo worshiper dances ahead of the annual Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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Zangbeto masquerades, the traditional Voodoo guardians of the night, performing ahead of the annual Voodoo Festival in Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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A tourist poses for a photograph with a python around her neck at the Temple of Pythons, Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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Zangbeto masquerades, the traditional Voodoo guardians of the night, performing ahead of the annual Voodoo Festival, Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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Tourists wait to enter the Temple of Pythons, Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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Voodoo worshipers dance ahead of the annual Voodoo Festival, Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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Zangbeto masquerades the traditional Voodoo guardians of the night performing ahead of the annual Voodoo Festival, Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.

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A man sprinkles water as Zangbeto masquerades the traditional Voodoo guardians of the night performing ahead of the annual Voodoo Festival, Ouidah, Benin, Jan. 9, 2025.