Organizing an Event or Pilgrimage in Ouidah: Procedures and City Hall Contacts

Ouidah is not only a tourist destination; it is a profound spiritual place for the African diaspora. Every year, numerous associations, families, and cultural organizations plan "return to the roots" trips, pilgrimages, or festivals to celebrate their Afro-descendant heritage.

However, Ouidah is a historic city whose public spaces and sacred sites obey precise rules. To ensure the success of your gathering without offending local sensibilities or breaking the law, close coordination with the Ouidah City Hall is essential.

Here is the guide to the procedures for obtaining your authorizations.

1. Authorization to occupy public space

If your event includes a march (for example, on the Slave Route), a public gathering, or the installation of tents on a public square, you must obtain authorization from the City Hall.

• Deadline: It is recommended to submit your authorization request at least 30 days in advance.
• The procedure: You must send a formal letter to the Mayor of the Municipality of Ouidah, specifying the nature of the event, the date, time, itinerary (if applicable), and an estimate of the number of participants.
• Security: Depending on the scale of the event, the City Hall may require you to inform the Police Station to ensure security and manage traffic.

👉 Official resource: Find the request template and the contacts of the General Secretariat on the Ouidah City Hall portal (Link to be confirmed).

2. Access to tourist and sacred sites

Ouidah's heritage (Temple of Pythons, Sacred Forest of Kpassè, Door of No Return) is protected. Visits by very large groups or the organization of specific ceremonies on these sites require special coordination.

• The Tourism Directorate: The Ouidah City Hall has a department dedicated to tourism. Contacting this service will allow you to benefit from official accredited guides and organize private tours.
• Fees and taxes: Access to certain sites or the organization of commercial events is subject to local taxes (occupation fee, ticketing). The financial affairs service of the City Hall will provide you with the updated fee schedule.

3. Logistics: Noise pollution and environment

The city of Ouidah aims to preserve its tranquility. Beninese regulations on noise pollution are strict.

• Schedules: If your cultural event includes concerts or the use of loudspeakers, you must obtain a specific exemption for the use of sound equipment beyond normal hours.
• Waste management: The City Hall often requires a written commitment regarding the cleanliness of the site after the event. You can coordinate with the Waste Management and Sanitation Company (SGDS) via municipal services.

Summary for organizers

The success of a pilgrimage or a reconnection event in Ouidah relies on respect for local authorities and customs:

1. Send an official request to the General Secretariat of the City Hall.
2. Coordinate access to sites via the Tourism Directorate of the municipality.
3. Inquire about local taxes at the Ouidah City Hall desk.

This guide will be regularly updated with new online forms as the Ouidah City Hall rolls out its e-services for the diaspora.