Most Vodou activities center in the temple divided into a ceremonial space called the peristil, and adjacent altar rooms or sanctuaries that are used for private healings and devotions. Haitians usually refer to the entire temple as ounfo, though some reserve that word only for the private sanctuaries.

Ceremonies in the peristil move to the rhythm of the drum. Servitors sing and dance around a central pillar (poto mitan) which acts as a lightning rod for divine energies. Induced by sound and glitter, the lwa may possess their servitors, or as Haitians say, 'ride their horses.' When possessed, servitors are dressed and fed to please the lwa, or 'divine horsemen.' In return, the lwa offer counsel to their human family.

'Petro Ceremony' by Castera Bazile		'Enter the Oungan' by Rigaud Benoit		Exhibition re-creation of a Haitian temple

Vodou ceremonies can be extravagant and beautiful; they are also comparatively rare. More commonly the temple serves as a kind of community center, where members of the Vodou family seek medical help, psychological counseling, legal advice, commercial assistance, and other services offered by the Vodou priest (oungan) or priestess (manbo). The temple also serves as popular theater and museum, where sacred drama and art flourish.