Tourism can be an efficient way to develop one’s country. Some states in the world mainly rely on foreign tourists to thrive, and it is sometimes the only resource for some other countries. In Benin, President Patrice Talon decided to make tourism a key success factor of Benin’s development. And the voodoo tradition is clearly part of the strategy.
Did you hear about the Vodun Days in Ouidah? In the beginning of January 2026, thousands of foreign and Beninese tourists (but also the Beninese diaspora) went to the Southern city of Benin with the purpose to discover the voodoo tradition, its divinities and its rituals. This international festival aims at attracting tourists in Benin to make them discover this ancestral religion which is not always considered positively by those who do not know it.
As a matter of fact, clichés often follow the voodoo rituals, especially outside of Africa (in Western states for instance), and the festival is a way to break the stereotypes that remain in the mind of some people.
The traditional voodoo festivity usually taking place on January 10th was replaced by the Vodun Days. The festival lasts three days and includes dancing and traditional ceremonies. Ouidah, located in the South-West side of the country, has been chosen to host the Vodun Days.
The Beninese government completely assumes highlighting the voodoo tradition during the Vodoun Days. Still, like the Minister of Tourism claims, it is important to separate the cultural and patrimonial side from the religious side. The festival must not turn into something caricatural where people would have the feeling of visiting an attraction park. The government wishes to attract one million visitors for this 2026 edition.
Over the last 10 years, Benin invested more than 1.200 billion FCFA (1,8 billion euros) to develop tourism in Benin. The State plans to continue investing over the next couple of years.
Guillaume Mahot