aitians celebrated one of the most important Voodoo pilgrimages of the year on Sunday, an event marked by drumming, sacrifices and prophesying whether Haiti's new government can heal a country reeling from President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's departure.

Carrying a heavy political significance this year, the pilgrimage drew hundreds to Souvenance, a village 90 miles (145 kilometers) north of Port-au-Prince, where followers made animal sacrifices to the West African warrior spirit Ogoun and initiates danced to dizzying drum beats. Founded by former slaves from the kingdom of Dahomey -- now Benin -- this dusty village fringed by cactus trees holds the ceremony during the annual Rara carnival celebrated by Voodoo societies during Lent, when bands of costumed drummers and dancers roam the countryside. Dressed in white and wearing white satin scarves, initiates chant and dance throughout the night to beckon spirits as onlookers gather. Rum, cane liquor and herbs are offered to appease a pantheon of spirits. On Sunday, initiates sacrificed goats and held them overhead, the goats' blood dripping onto their heads and white clothing.
Voodoo is one of Haiti's three constitutionally recognized religions, along with Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Under Aristide, the government legally sanctioned Voodoo marriages, baptisms and other rites. Two-thirds of Haiti's 8 million people are said to practice Voodoo, which worships one creator and many spirits, or loas. "Voodoo is all about unity," said George Fernand, 63, a Voodoo houngan, or priest. "We're hoping the new government will help bring us unity."

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/windowoftheworld/2004/april/14/windowontheworld-apr14-002.htm

Why are they celebrating it on sunday

SeanT21:

Why are they celebrating it on sunday

voodoo is a combination of christianity and african traditions, if you check their rituals,songs dances e.t.c names of christian angels and what not are constantly called upon side by side with names of yoruba traditional deities

Fortunately, they no longer sacrifice humans. However, their numskull, arrogant and idiotic counterparts in Nigeria still believe in sacrificing humans, only to perpetuate a needless sense of fear.

RichyBlacK:

Fortunately, they no longer sacrifice humans. However, their numskull, arrogant and idiotic counterparts in Nigeria still believe in sacrificing humans, only to perpetuate a needless sense of fear.

hmmmn,are you sure its not because of the superior law enforcement in these places as opposed to nigeria/remember human sacrifices are still being done in liberia, and other parts of africa,

lucabrasi:

hmmmn,are you sure its not because of the superior law enforcement in these places as opposed to nigeria/remember human sacrifices are still being done in liberia, and other parts of africa,

You're right! There's zero law enforcement in Nigeria.