State in trance

Thousands of Haitians have fled their homes in Port-au-Prince, where violence is a frequent. Neither the government nor the Kenyan-led police mission has been able to end the attacks. But the people don't give up their Vodou practices. In 2003, Vodou has been formally recognized as an official religion that once served as a form of resistance against the French colonial empire And even the gangs fear it and massacre Vodou practitioners accusing them of witchcraft. Often misunderstood, Vodou is far more than the stereotypes of black magic. In reality, it fosters community, provides moral guidance, and serves as a source of strength. The ceremony begins with a Roman Catholic prayer. Then the drummers begin to play. The attendees begin to dance, moving faster and harder with the rising pulse of the beat. One woman falls to the ground, convulsing for a moment before she is helped back to her feet. She resumes the dance, moving differently now, and continues dancing for hours. It is perhaps no longer she who is dancing: She is in a trance. In a country that has been facing gang violence and natural disasters, Vodou has provided a sense of cultural identity and resilience. It fosters a sense of mutual support, helping people to navigate the challenges of daily life.