Vodun Days à Pobè
Date : January 7-11 2025 | Place : Pobè, Plateau
As part of its commitment to promoting Vodun cultural heritage, CACD-ONG, in partnership with the Pobè Town Hall, the guardians of tradition, and others, organized the very first edition of Vodun Days in Pobè from January 7 to 11, 2025.
This event is part of the national initiative initiated by the Beninese government to promote local cultures and develop heritage tourism. It also supports the Ookpo Sacred Forest restoration project, supported by the Mellon Foundation and HERITAGE.
Goals
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Promote cultural, artistic, and spiritual wealth of the region
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Reinforce social cohesion through interreligious dialogue
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Position Pobè as a tourist destination in Benin
Results
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More than 5 000 visiteurs during evening concerts
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22 partners mobilized (NGOs, businesses, cooperations)
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Large media coverage (TV, local radios, web)
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Strong community participation, notably you and traditional leaders
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Economic benefits for local artisans, traders and transporters
TOUR GUIDE TRAINING
10 youth from Pobè were trained in cultural guidance techniques and heritage mediation, combining traditional knowledge and modern skills.
PUBLIC VIEWING
The population watched the film AROLE ORANYAN, retracing the local royal history, shown outdoors at the Royal Palace ITA IPOBE.
OPENING CEREMONY
A ceremony launched the celebration, rich in speeches, cultural entertainment and royal and international presences.
CONFERENCE-DEBATE
Around the theme "From Heritage to Prosperity", experts, dignitaries and young people discussed the levers of development linked to culture.
Activities
EVENING CONCERTS
For 4 nights, more than 50 artists enlivened the stage with ritual dances, concerts, competitions and live shows, bringing together up to 5,000 people per evening.
CRAFT FAIR
Dozens of local artisans and producers exhibited art objects, agri-food products and creations inspired by the Vodun universe..
TOURIST VISITS
Visiters discovered th Ookpo sacred forest, recently restored, as well as other emblematic places of Pobè.
JANUARY 10 CELEBRATION
The day dedicated to spiritual forces gave rise to Fâ rituals, Egungun, Zangbéto and Guêlêdê dances – a memorable moment of communion.
