Benin/Celebration of the 10th of January in Ouidah: The Government announces structuring projects to promote "Destination Benin

The city of Ouidah hosted once again this January 10, 2022, the official events within the framework of the celebration of the 27th edition of the national festival of traditional religions of Benin. After two consecutive appointments celebrated in a modest format because of the health crisis related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 edition was celebrated this Monday at the beach of Ouidah, in the strict respect of the barrier gestures, in the presence of a strong governmental delegation, administrative and traditional authorities, dignitaries, followers and sympathizers as well as tourists coming from several parts of the world.

Two important interventions of the authorities, the Consultation of the Fâ, the libations by the Pontiff and the parade of a dozen deities were the highlights of the celebration.

In his speech, the mayor of Ouidah Christian HOUETCHENOU, was pleased to host the official events of this national day after the return of 26 works of royal treasures of Benin found in France. He then praised the considerable efforts of the Government of President Patrice TALON through the implementation of important structuring projects to give back to Ouidah its attributes of historical city and to make it the world capital of tourism.

Following him, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, Jean-Michel ABIMBOLA first emphasized the option made by the Head of State to intensify efforts in the sectors of tourism, culture and arts. This is reflected in the initiative in the PAG 2 (2021-2026) of a dozen ambitious and structuring projects including the Route des couvents and the Vodun museum, in order to put on orbit the "Destination Benin". In his tribute to endogenous cults, which are the object of all attention on January 10 of each year, Minister ABIMBOLA noted that "in almost all African countries, the vodun African countries, the vodun has regenerated, more eclectic, integrating, each time, the contributions of elements of local cultures. Despite the hostility and contempt it has suffered, this religion is still alive and practiced by many Afro-descendants who have found in it the answers to their identity questions, the appeasement to their spiritual anxieties. "

Making Benin the world capital of Vodun

In addition to the number of followers it attracts around the world, vodun is the subject of numerous scientific works, documentary films and continues to fascinate millions of curious people around the world. "And Benin, which is the cradle, dreams of becoming the Mecca, the world capital, to attract the crowd of followers, dignitaries, researchers, creators and tourists," exclaimed the Minister in charge of culture.

In front of political and administrative authorities, diplomatic corps and tourists, Jean-Michel ABIMBOLA reassured that the ecosystem that allows to realize this dream, is progressively put in place, and that it is possible to make the project a reality.ve, is gradually being put in place, to allow the tourism and cultural industries to take over in order to provide the most credible, attractive and original offers in respect and dignity. Note that the demonstrations continued in the various convents with prayers on the Nation.

Source: www.gouv.bj