Culture
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.
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.
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.
Zangbeto: mysteries and powers of the night guardians
In Ouidah, the Zangbeto, night guardians, defy the light of day. Their power and mystery intertwine, revealing a world where the spiritual and social coexist.
The Ouidah carnival: when the burrinha dances between two shores
Each year, the unique melody of the Ouidah Carnival rises, telling the story of the Agudas and their iconic dance, the Burrinha. A journey between the shores.
Agojie: who were the female soldiers of Dahomey?
The Agojie, legendary warriors with remarkable courage, defied the norms of their time. Their story, long overlooked, reveals a powerful and inspiring legacy.
Practical guide to the Vodun Days in Ouidah
Every year, Ouidah transforms into the spiritual epicenter of Atlantic Africa. Discover Vodun Days, an event that unites the diaspora and cultural travelers.
Eating in Ouidah: complete guide to local flavors
Ouidah, a city where every dish tells a story. Explore authentic cuisine, from local eateries to the shores, blending tradition and travel.
The sacred forest of Kpassè: Ouidah's hidden world
In the heart of Ouidah, the sacred forest of Kpassè stands as a living sanctuary, a place where history and Vodun intertwine in mysterious harmony.
The ethics of memory tourism: visiting Ouidah with respect
Ouidah, a place rich in history, demands a respectful approach. Discover how to navigate this sanctuary of memory without intrusion, but with genuine intention.
The Tokoudagba dynasty: the living memory of Vodun art
At the heart of Vodun heritage, the Tokoudagba dynasty weaves a deep connection between Abomey and Ouidah, where art transcends time and space.
The authentic Vodun experience in Ouidah
Ouidah invites you to unravel the essence of Vodun, a misunderstood spiritual system. This journey is not mere observation; it's a profound immersion into a living tradition.
Vodun Days 2026: preparing for the grand celebration
As Ouidah breathes after the Vodoun Days 2026, echoes of transformation linger. This festival became more than celebration; it redefined the essence of return for the Diaspora.
How to photograph Ouidah's sacred sites with respect
Photographing Ouidah is a delicate art. This guide helps you navigate ethics and respect, revealing how to capture beauty without offense.
Ethical photography: how to photograph Ouidah respectfully
Ouidah, a city of sacred spaces, calls for a respectful approach to photography. Learn how to capture its essence while honoring its rich culture.
The Zinsou Foundation
Opened on November 11, 2013, in the Villa Ajavon behind the basilica, the Fondation Zinsou museum shows contemporary African art in Ouidah, free of charge. The story of the foundation, the villa and the collection.
Angélique Kidjo and Ouidah: a city's cosmology
Angélique Kidjo, daughter of Ouidah, intertwines music and memory. Her career resonates with the spiritual depths of her hometown. A journey to inextricable roots.
Vodun Days 2025: a retrospective of the great festival
Every year, Vodun Days transforms Ouidah into a sacred space. In January 2025, the city resonated with a celebration that redefines community and spiritual experience.
Discovering Ouidah
Ouidah, an iconic city in Benin, reveals a complex cultural and spiritual heritage shaped by centuries of exchanges between civilizations.
African Masks in Ouidah
Ouidah, rich in traditions, reveals African masks as sacred objects with complex meanings. A study by Tchénando Patrick Noukpo explores this duality.
Corn: Culinary and Religious Heritage
In Ouidah, corn transcends its role as food to become a symbol of cultural resilience and identity. A thorough study by Rosa Nallely Moreno Moncayo reveals its implications in Vodoun rituals.
The Agudàs of Ouidah: Brazilian heritage and identity in Benin
The Agudàs, descendants of Brazilian ancestors in Benin, weave a complex link between cultural heritage and social integration. Their story reveals profound identity challenges.