the Ouidah chronicle
whispers from the heritage
Xwétanu: The Memory of Vodun at the Heart of Candomblé
The history of Vodun in Benin and Candomblé in Brazil is not frozen in time. Discover how artist Azeemã documents these shared memories through her project Xwétanu.
Team Origins · 2026-09-05 · 8 minAugust 23 in Ouidah: From the Door of No Return to the Door of Return
On August 23, 2026, the commemoration of the transatlantic slave trade in Ouidah went beyond symbolism with strong legal acts: the granting of Beninese nationality and the memorial march towards the Door of Return.
2026-09-04
Gangbé Brass Band: from Ouidah to another world
In Ouidah, where the Atlantic meets history, the Gangbé Brass Band's sixth album becomes an exploration of identity and legacy through music.
2026-06-06
The sacred sanctuaries of Mami Wata in Ouidah
In Ouidah, Mami Wata, the goddess of the waters, shapes spirituality and history. Explore her sanctuaries and the depth of her worship within the diaspora.
2026-06-01
Vodun Days 2027: why this edition is unlike any other
In 2026, 740,668 people in Ouidah. In 2027, the festival stretches over 8 days (January 2-9), the MIME opens, and a decade-long plan reaches completion. What you need to know before you book.
2026-05-22Ethical guide: how to behave at a Vodun ceremony
Being invited to a vodun ceremony is an honor. Your behavior can influence the perception of future visitors. Discover the essential rules of vodun ceremony etiquette — from offerings to silence.
2026-05-22
Patrice Talon's legacy in Ouidah: a son of the city returns to build
From the 26 royal treasures to the MIME, Patrice Talon transformed Ouidah. A deep, personal witness account from inside the Effet Graff dinner to the beaches of Djègbadji.
2026-05-22
Claudy Siar discovers his Beninese roots in Ouidah
On May 22, 2026, Claudy Siar transformed the Door of No Return into a Door of Return, connecting his heritage to the Zossoungbo lineage in a moving ceremony.
2026-05-22
Marina Ouidah Project 2027: A Memorial Revolution for the Diaspora and Beninese
The Beninese government, supported by Chinese funding, is transforming the surroundings of the Door of No Return into a massive tourist and memorial complex. What does this truly mean for the diaspora and the people of Ouidah?
2026-05-15