In the birthplace of Voodoo, devotees celebrate their religion with an array of garments and colorful ceremonies that are positively enchanting.
Annually, thousands of Voodoo worshipers have been known to descend on Benin to honor their ancestors and practice their faith. The faithful from the West African nation’s neighbors Togo and Nigeria trek across the border to celebrate in Quidah – regarded as the spiritual birthplace of Voodoo.
Nigerian Voodoo devotees celebrate in Benin, a West African nation. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Egungun dancers, said to be representing ancient spirits, don sparkly garments as they parade through the streets of Benin.
Seashell masks, gloves, and handbags are also part of the religious garb during the festival that started in 1997.
The masqueraded dancers from the Nigerian Yoruba Clan possess spirits through dance to bring guidance to the living. Individual dancers are thought to represent the reincarnation of ancient members of the clan.
Masqueraded dancers from the Nigerian Yoruba Clan participate in a Voodoo festival. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Benin officially recognized Voodoo as a religion in 1989.
Voodoo, known locally as Vodun, is the indigenous religion of West Africa that revolves around spirits. These deities are believed to control all forces of nature. Religious practices and Voodoo festivals involve the summoning of spirits by living people.
Roughly 17 percent of the country’s nearly 9.6 million people are adherents.
Quidah, Benin is regarded as the birthplace of Voodoo. Seventeen percent of the country’s population is said to practice Voodoo. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
