Every January thousands of Beninese flock to the town of Ouidah for the annual Voodoo Festival. Some 40% of the population of the West African country of Benin practice Voodoo (known also as Vudun), a much misunderstood belief system and way of life in which around 100 spirits represent different aspects of nature, including lightening, water and healing. Voodoo informs every aspect of everyday life including music, culture, philosophy and medicine.
Kings and dignitaries gather for the festival in Ouidah, Benin (age fotostock/Robert Harding)
blog.robertharding.com 