Reportage Photo-story about Voodoo ceremonies in Haiti

One common saying is that Haitians are 70 percent Catholic, 30 percent Protestant, and 100 percent voodoo.

Voodoo is an important part of the culture of Haiti. It is a religion that is based on African beliefs and traditions, and it has been passed down through generations of Haitians. It is is a mixture of different African religions, and it includes the worship of spirits and ancestors. Some anthropologists estimate that voodoo's roots in Benin—formerly Dahomey—West Africa may go back 6,000 years. Today an estimated 60 million people practice voodoo worldwide. Voodoo followers believe that spirits, known as Loa, can be called upon to help with various things like healing, protection, and guidance.
Voodoo ceremonies are often led by a priest or priestess, known as a houngan or mambo, who acts as a mediator between the living and the spirits. Ceremonies include dancing, singing, and drumming, and offerings are made to the spirits.
Voodoo is also closely tied to the history of Haiti. The religion was banned by the French colonizers when Haiti was a French colony, but it continued to be practiced in secret. After Haiti gained its independence, voodoo became more openly accepted, and it is now an important part of the country's culture. Voodoo is not just a part of the culture of Haiti, but it is also an important part of the culture of many other countries in the Caribbean and Africa.

I travelled to Haiti on assignment for British Esquire magazine.