The Dangbé temple (of the Pythons) is a Voodoo sanctuary which is located just opposite the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, like a snub to Christianity!! This place has existed since the 17th century, but has since undergone transformations. Initially, located on a wooded area, it was gradually reduced to what we see today due to the urbanization of the city of Ouidah. Similarly, the buildings that we see today in ocher color and roofed in tiles or sheet metal, were renovated in 1991 for the 1992 event when Ouidah hosted the first world festival devoted to the art and culture of Voodoo.
The first court, which one sees while arriving, is provided with a building in the shape of a cone of ocher color covered with tiles, which contains the alive royal pythons, which do not present any danger for the man. Facing the entrance, you can see the sacred Iroko surrounded by a white cloth.
On the side a large terracotta ball "The Canary" sacred called the "Zingbin" has existed for 200 years. It is celebrated every 7 years, by installing it in front of the temple and placing sacred leaves there. Initially, 41 young virgin girls went to fetch water to deposit the leaves and triturate them in the liquid. The mixture is taken away by the participants for healing purposes. In the absence of virgin girls (SIC), postmenopausal women perform the ritual.
On the side, an open hut devoid of furniture but housing a Voodoo protective deity, is covered with a sheet metal roof. Two small round squares covered with tiles serve as shelter for other Voodoo deities
