petwo

Petwo, also spelled Petro, is a family or faction of loa (spirits) in Haitian Vodou and related Caribbean and Louisiana traditions. They are distinguished from the Rada loa, who are generally considered cool and benevolent. Petwo spirits are characterized as fiery, aggressive, and quick to action. They are associated with fire, heat, transformation, and with aspects such as protection, war, and survival. The Petro current is often described as arising in the Caribbean during slavery and upheaval, embodying harsh realities as well as resilience.

Ritual practice for Petwo tends to be more energetic and urgent than that of the Rada. Ceremonies commonly feature faster drumming, spirited singing, and the possibility of possession by Petro spirits. Offerings emphasize red items and strong flavors, such as spicy foods and alcohol; ritual tools and symbols may include fire, iron, and knives, and some communities perform cleansing or protective rites. Given their reputed volatility, Petro rites typically require careful preparation, hospitality to the spirits, and adherence to local customs and laws regarding animal sacrifice where applicable.

Prominent Petro figures include Ezili Dantor and various Ogoun forms that manifest in Petro contexts; the exact pantheon can vary by community and region.

The Petro current remains a central and dynamic element of Haitian Vodou and its diaspora, including Louisiana Voodoo, where its energetic, sometimes combative character is viewed as a source of courage, justice, and resilience in the face of adversity.