Animal sacrifices mark Haitian voodoo celebration

Haitians celebrated one of the most important voodoo pilgrimages of the year yesterday, 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 145km 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 - Souvenance 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.

Initiates sacrificed goats and held them overhead, the goats' blood dripping on to their heads and white clothing.

Voodoo is one of Haiti's three constitutionally recognised religions, with Catholicism and Protestantism.