News
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.
August 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.
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.
The MIME in Ouidah: architecture of memory
Building a museum on a living wound in Ouidah is a challenge. The MIME project aims to unite memory and dignity in a space for reflection and research.
Ouidah Golf Club: Benin's first championship course
In Ouidah, a golf course unfolds in harmony with the landscape. Get ready to explore Benin's first championship golf club, redefining sports tourism.
Patrice Talon wants to settle in Ouidah after 2026
In a surprising moment at the Ouidah Blue Festival, President Patrice Talon revealed his desire to settle in the sacred city after his term. This statement carries profound significance.
Dhawa Ouidah: the 4-star Banyan Group hotel opening in April 2027
Near the Door of No Return, Dhawa Ouidah is due to open in April 2027. Rooms, restaurants, spa, location, and the question a luxury hotel raises in such a place.
The boat of departure: a museum in Ouidah
On Djègbadji beach, the Bateau du Départ evokes the horror of slavery through a striking replica. An unforgettable experience awaits you.
The presidential transition in Benin and Ouidah
As the 2026 elections approach, Ouidah finds itself at a decisive crossroads where cultural ambitions and political realities intertwine in complex ways.
The 2026 presidential election's impact on Ouidah
With the 2026 presidential election, Ouidah stands at a crucial turning point. What promises does Talon leave for the cultural and tourism future of the city?
The Agudás: the Brazilians who came back to Africa
In the nineteenth century, thousands of Afro-Brazilians crossed the Atlantic in reverse — back to the West African coast. They brought Portuguese, Catholicism, Brazilian architecture and surnames that still mark Ouidah today. The Agudás are one of the Atlantic's most forgotten stories.
Candomblé and Vodun: what connects them and what divides them
Candomblé and Vodun share a common root — but three centuries of separate evolution have made them distinct. Neither is a copy of the other. This guide explores the connections, the divergences, and what it means for a candomblé practitioner to visit Ouidah.
Ciara and Russell Wilson: becoming Beninese citizens
When Ciara and Russell Wilson announced their Beninese citizenship, it sparked a global conversation. What does their choice reveal about identity and belonging?