Under the Spell of Voodoo

A voodoo ceremony is taking place in the village. The drum beats at a high, rousing pace. People take turns dancing, all dressed in stunning outfits. The music grows more and more intense. Fire is created using magnesium powder. The attendees clap rhythmically and loudly with sticks. A young man falls into a trance and dances in the center. His eyes look blank and distant. He spins wildly to the rhythm of the music. I still find it a strange sight. It resembles being drunk. From behind, two adorned women approach. One carries a small garden on her head, the other smokes a pipe. They are asking the voodoo god for favor—one for her farming, the other, less clearly so. Impressive.