Vodun Is Benin's Official Religion, But What Is It?

The West African nation of Benin began its annual Vodun Days celebrations on Saturday. The public holiday honors the indigenous faith that is recognized as the country's official religion. Vodun is an animist religion. Its followers believe that spiritual forces exist within nature and that the living can communicate with ancestors. The celebrations in the historic city of Ouidah include vibrant public ceremonies, dances, and rituals. The festivities draw both local devotees and international tourists. Benin established the national Vodun Day in the 1990s to celebrate its cultural heritage.