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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GRAND POPO

Written by @Beninfo24/7

GRAND
POPO

All you need to know about GrandPoPo 

GRAND POPO-BENIN REPUBLIC

Grand-Popo is a town, arrondissement , and commune in the Mono Department of south-western Benin . The commune covers an area of ​​289 square kilometers and as at the 2013 Census had a population of 57,490 people.  The town grew around the slave trade , but coastal erosion has now destroyed most of the old town.The town is now a center for voodoo and home to a Finnish – African cultural center , Villa Karo . Grand Popo, due to its location between the sea and the Mono River, is also the ideal place to take a pirogue ride in the mangroves or watch the return of fishermen! Finally. The town’s main industry is fishing . Grand Popo is a wonderful beach town in which to spend a few tranquil days. The village has plenty going on at the weekend, when Cotonou residents come to decompress. Let yourself be tempted like the townspeople of Cotonou or Lomé by its magnificent sandy beaches bordered by coconut palms The town inspired the name of the French electronic music duo Grand Popo Football Club , as well as the name of the iPad application creator Grand Popo LLC .

History Of GrandPoPo

The history of Grand-Popo relates to the Mono River estuary of the Bight of Benin and its surrounding areas. The present – day Grand-Popo District extends to the west as a sea-river lane to the Togo border. Just across the border is also the historic city ​​of Togo, Aného, formerly known as Little Popo, Klein Popo or Petit-Popo, depending on the speaker’s language. Located east of Grand-Popo, where the Mono river joins the Gulf of Benin is called the “Bouche du Roi” (“the King’s mouth”). The narrow peninsula on the Gulf of Benin separates the chain of tributaries and lagoons flowing from the Mono river, stretching westward from Little Popo to historic city of Ouidah. Depending on the amount of water, it was an important transport route in the region. To the northeast of “Bouche du Roi” is a rugged area formed by marshes, rivers and lakes that protected the area against external enemies.
The Kingdom of Grand-Popo was not originally a united kingdom, but a collection of several villages with a sandy ravine that separated the lagoon from the sea. The center of Grand-Popo, Gbebco, was once located about 6.4 kilometers west of Bouche du Roi. Carrefour, the highway junction where the village center is now located, is 17 kilometers from the mouth of the river. On the other side of the lagoon is Hevé, which was originally a harbor area. Agbanaken was the king’s residence and capital. It was on the western bank of the Mono River, where the river expands into a lagoon. Agbanaken is located beyond the border of what is now Togo.

POPULAR RELIGIONS IN GRANDPOPO

One of the early depictions of Europeans said of the settlement of the Grand Popo area: “A village where blacks have a white flag”.

Three Spanish Capuchin missionaries visited Grand-Popo in 1660-61. In the 19th century, Methodist missionaries became active on the Slave Coast, and in the 1840s and 50s missionary stations were established in Little-Popo, Glidji, Agouée, and Grand-Popo. At the same time, Catholic missionaries also came to the area. To their surprise, they noticed that there was already a significant Catholic community on the coast. They were known as “Brazilians”, or Agudas, who were Africans, often former slaves, who had lived in Brazil. About 4,000 of them had emigrated to the Gulf of Benin by the mid-19th century. They spoke Portuguese, practiced the Catholic religion and used Brazilian names.

FISHING IN GRAND POPO


The economy of the Hula community was based on fishing and salt production. In addition to fish, crabs, shrimps and oysters were also obtained. The fish were dried and shipped inland. Although the word hula means sea, they had no interest or technology in sea fishing. The lagoon and river were rich in fish. Sea fishing was not introduced until the 19th century. In some seasons, seawater also extended to the lagoons, when the water became saline, offering sea fish as well. Fishing equipment included canoe nets, fishing nets made of cotton twine and basket weaves, and later various spears, trawl nets and fishing rods, as well as hand fishing.

AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK


The nature of Grand-Popo was poorly suited to agriculture and there were few tools. In the 1840s, yam or manioc, cotton and indigo were grown in the area. The corn was the main course of the Grandpopeans, along with the fish. The area further grown sweet potato, ruokabanaania, banana, lablab bean- ( lablab purpureus ) and lentils, okra, shallots, cashew nuts, peanuts, pumpkins, pineapples, lime and ginger. Pepper and oil palms grew in the area and by the 19th century they were cultivated. Most of the crops came from outside Africa and originated during the transatlantic slave trade. Most of them came from the Americas.
Millet was grown, but by the early 20th century it was used only for ritual purposes until it was replaced by corn. Corn became an important crop from the 1780s onwards, yielding at least two crops in two rainy seasons.
From the late 18th century to the 1800s, Little-Popo and its neighbor, Ewe, had chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, pigs and cattle. Livestock farming was in Little-Popo in the 1840s in the Francisco Felix de Souza family quarter. With Europeans, demand for meat increased, but only the richest Africans could afford to keep cows.

PALM OIL REPLACES THE SLAVE TRADE

Palm oil was exported from West Africa some time before the 19th century. Broader exports of palm oil in the 1830s were started by the English company Messrs WB Hutton & Sons in London. Captain John Marman founded the company factory in 1836 in Little Popo, which was supplying palm oil, corn and ivory. The Hutton factory expanded in 1838 to Ouidah and 1842 to Badgary (a coastal city in the present state of Lagos, Nigeria). The Ouidah plant was based on an arrangement made the previous year, in which Francisco Félix de Souza promised to supply Marmann with palm oil because of the poor condition of the slave trade. The Ouidah factory was destroyed in 1841 by a British cruiser.

Colonisation


Before colonialism, the international relations of Africa and Africans, especially with Europe, were mainly trade relations. By the beginning of the 20th century, relationships changed from trade and exchange to control and subjugation. Europe’s conflicts of interest over African territories and the ensuing clashes of European powers led to the Berlin Conference in 1884 and 1885. There were no delegations from Africa, but it divided Africa among the European powers. The aspirations of the participants were expansionism and the economic benefits of non-European territories
The economic and political situation in the Slave Coast was influenced by the situation in the 1870s. Three colonial powers , England, France and Germany, competed in the division of Africa. Britain expanded its influence on the Western Slave Coast in the mid-19th century. Under the guise of anti-slave trade, the bombing of Lagos in 1851 and its incorporation into the English Protectorate, ten years later, took place. Britain closed the Slave Coast ports in 1852. The British annexed the Gold Coast Anlon area (now southern Togo) as a colony in 1872. Under pressure from the King of Dahomey, the British enforced the entire Slave Coast shutdown from 1876 to 1877. Due to the heavy duty imposed on spirits and other imported goods in the Anlo area, merchants moved east. Smuggling into the British territory became more common. To stop it, the British extended their territories eastward.

TOURIST ATTRACTION IN GRAND POPO

Grand Popo is a small place in Benin and can be easily explored within a day. There aren’t many things to do and attractions to visit in this town. Also, being a small town, there are fewer accommodation options. People usually consider making a quick stop here before heading to the neighboring cities. You can halt here for a quick snack and take a little break from your journey. You can check out the list of the cities near Grand Popo and find out the top things to do in these towns. So, the next time you are in Grand Popo, you can decide which neighboring city to visit for a memorable trip.

-Auberge de Grand Popo

Outdoors

: Beachfront, Sun terrace, Private beach area, Terrace, Garden

Food & Drink

Breakfast in the room, Bar, Restaurant

Services

Shuttle service, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shuttle service (additional charge), Luggage storage, Gift shop, Currency exchange, Laundry Additional charge,

Pets

Free! Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

Internet

Free! WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Safety & security

Safety deposit box

Activities

Beach, Evening entertainment,

Parking

Free! Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

General

  • Air conditioning
  • Family rooms
  • -Hotel Village Vacances Awale Plage

    Located in Grand-Popo, 5 km from Finno-Africain Villa Karo Cultural Centre, Hotel Village Vacances Awale Plage provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a private beach area and room service. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
    At the hotel, every room is equipped with a patio. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at Hotel Village Vacances Awale Plage also provide guests with free WiFi.

    The accommodation offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.
    Hotel Village Vacances Awale Plage offers a children’s playground. Activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing can be enjoyed in the surroundings, and guests can relax along the beachfront.
    Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
    We speak your language!
    Availability of popular facilities such as swimming pool, bar, beachfront, and private beach area.

    Outdoors

    : Beachfront, Sun terrace, Private beach area, Terrace, Garden

    Food & Drink

    On-site coffee house, Chocolate or cookies Additional charge, Fruits Additional charge, Bottle of water Additional charge, Wine/champagne Additional charge , Kid meals, Special diet menus (on request),Snack bar, Breakfast in the room, Bar, and Restaurant.  

    Services

    Shuttle service, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shuttle service (additional charge), Luggage storage, Gift shop, Currency exchange, Laundry Additional charge,

    Business Facilities

    Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge

    Safety features

  • First aid kit available
  • Process in place to check health of guests
  • Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
  • Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
  • Pets

    Free! Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

    Internet

    : Free! WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

    Safety & security

  • CCTV outside property
  • 24-hour security
  • Safety deposit box
  •  

    Cleaning services

    Daily housekeeping, Laundry Additional charge,  

    Physical distancing

    Physical distancing rules followed, Cashless payment available, Contactless check-in/check-out

    Cleanliness & disinfecting

    Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning. Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Corona virus

    Food & drink safety

    Delivered food is securely covered, Breakfast takeaway containers Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, Physical distancing in dining areas.

    Activities

    Tour or class about local culture Additional charge, Themed dinner nights Additional charge, Walking tours, Temporary art galleries, Beach, Evening entertainment, Cycling, Hiking, Children's playground, Games room, Fishing.

    Parking

    Free! Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed), Parking garage, Secured parking.

    General

    : Shuttle service, Shared lounge/TV area, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Airport shuttle (free), Shuttle service (additional charge), Air conditioning, Shops (on site),Car hire, Packed lunches, Soundproof rooms, Gift shop, Bridal suite, Family rooms, Facilities for disabled guests, Room service,  

    Wellness

  • Sun loungers or beach chairs
  • Pool/beach towels
  • Solarium
  •  Pool 1 - outdoor

    Free! All pools are free of charge, Pool/beach towels, Sun loungers or beach chairs

    Languages spoken

  • English
  • French
  • -Résidence SAHOTY

    Residence SAHOTY is set in Grand-Popo, 1.1 km from Finno-Africain Villa Karo Cultural Centre, Résidence SAHOTY offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden and barbecue facilities. The property provides pool views, a children’s playground, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available.

    All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. At the guest house all rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries.

    Résidence SAHOTY offers an indoor pool. You can play table tennis at the accommodation, and car hire is available.
    Résidence SAHOTY has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 29 May 2018.

    Outdoors

    Picnic area Outdoor, furniture Outdoor ,dining area Outdoor, furniture Terrace, Sun terrace, Private pool, BBQ facilities, Balcony, Terrace, Garden.  

    Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

    Services

    Shared lounge/TV area

    Reception services

    24-hour front desk

    Safety features

    Fire extinguishers, 24-hour security

    Bathroom

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Towels/sheets (extra fee)
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
  • Internet

    Free! WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

      Transport

    Airport drop off Additional charge, Airport pick up Additional charge

    General

    Shuttle service, Airport shuttle (additional charge), Shuttle service (additional charge), Air conditioning, Non-smoking throughout, Tile/marble floor, Soundproofing, Private entrance, Car hire, Fan, Ironing facilities, Non-smoking rooms, Iron, Air conditioning.  

    Parking

    Free! Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed). Parking garage, Street parking, Secured parking

    Activities

    Tour or class about local cultureAdditional charge, Walking tours, Beach, Badminton equipment, Beachfront, Library, Table tennis, Children's playground, Games room.  

    Entertainment and family services

    Children television networks Kids' outdoor play equipment, Board games/puzzles.

     Pool 1 - Indoor

    Free! All pools are free of charge Open all year, Adult only.

    -Ramaya L'Auberge Espagnole Hotel-Grand Popo

    Want to discover Benin? Communicating with its populations? Start at RAMAYA: the Spanish Inn of Grand-Popo. In Grand-Popo, an exceptional idyllic setting awaits you to discover the potential of a country that is becoming more and more in the world.

    Our rooms are suitable for your need. For your hiking, original means of transport, like bikes to contribute to the protection of the environment.

    Property Amenities Available In Ramaya L’ Auberge Espagnole Hotel

    Free parking, Free High Speed Internet (WiFi), Bar / lounge, Beach, Bicycle rental, Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly), Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly ), Car hire, Air conditioning.

    Nearby attractions

    Villa Karo

    Contact and address

    Onkihoue en Face de l'Eglise Pentecote de Grand-Popo, Grand Popo Benin

    Nearby restaurants

    Boca del Rio

    -Hotel Paramondo-Grand Popo

    Set in Cotonou, 13 km from DRC Embassy, Hotel Paramondo offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a terrace. The property is located 13 km from Angola Embassy, 16 km from UNDP Office and 23 km from Congo Embassy.

    Nearby attraction

    Jammin

    Contact and address

    Godomey Togoudo, Route de Lita, Abomey-Calavi Benin

    Nearby Restuarant

    La cabane du pecheur
    Jaaba - Grill & Bar

    SITE ATTRACTION IN GRAND POPO TOWN-BENIN REPUBLIC  -VILLA KARO

    Villa Karo is a Finnish-African culture center and artist residence in the coastal village of Grand-Popo, Benin. Its task is to build a bridge between Finnish and African artists and cultural figures. The primary task is to offer a possibility to reside in Africa for Finnish artists, researchers, teachers, and other professionals in cultural and social fields. In addition, African professionals in culture are encouraged to visit Finland.
    Periods for application into residence are twice in a year. The fall residencies applications are due in 15 March, and for the spring residencies applications are due in 15 September.

    HISTORY OF VILLA KARO GRAND POPO-BENIN REPUBLIC

    When writer Juha Vakkuri traveled in the region in the 1990s´, he fell in the idea of establishing a cultural center into Grand-Popo. He set up a non-profit organization to promote the idea. The name Villa Karo derives from the deceased son Karo of Juha Vakkuri.
    The hearth of the center is a colonial, Afro-Brazilian style old hospital that was renovated into the main building. It was opened in 2000. The site was selected because Grand-Popo, a tranquil fishing village offers a good set for creating. Benin is one of the most stable and democratic countries in the continent.

    Villa Karo offers following free cultural services for local people and visitors.

    VILLA KARO LIBRARY

    There is a public library in Villa Karo, which includes about 3.000 volumes of literature in Finnish, French, English and Swedish.

    Musée Karo In Villa Karo

    A small museum was opened in 2001, where art and objects related to West African culture and Animist religion are displayed. The museum collection reflects both influences of European culture in Africa, understanding of Europeans of Africa and reflections of African culture in Europe.
    A new museum Musée Karo was opened in 2015 in the former bank of the village.

    About the author

    @Beninfo24/7

    www.beninfo247.com Is a Benin Republic information portal dedicated to providing relevant information to
    all to Africa and the world about the coastal city of republic of Benin. www.beninfo247.com also know as Benin Info publish information on all aspects of Benin Republic such as politics, sports, education, lifestyle, places,travel business, carrier opportunities, entertainment, people and culture etc.

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