Voodoo Voyage. Things You Never Dared to Ask About the Mysteries of Voodoo

Voodoo might be synonymous with New Orleans, but very few understand it beyond a passing fancy or stigma. In reality, voodoo has always been a vital part of New Orleans’ historical and cultural landscape. To call voodoo ‘black magic’, as common misconceptions go, would be grossly reductive. Voodoo is a religion that connects people to nature, higher forces, spirits, and their ancestors. A belief in the power of spirits lies at the heart of voodoo, not in an omnipotent God. To connect with these spirits, followers use mediums such as chanting, music, dance, and snakes. The early origins of voodoo here go back to when enslaved West Africans first arrived in Louisiana. With time, they merged their traditional religious practices with Catholicism, the dominant religion of the local population. It’s why New Orleans voodoo is also called Voodoo-Catholicism. The practice became an integral part of life and culture, especially when people who fled Haiti after the 1791 revolt moved to New Orleans and eventually became free people of color. Visiting a voodoo queen or king for spiritual guidance was common practice in the 1800s.

Voodoo in New Orleans Today

The spirit of voodoo remains alive in certain parts of New Orleans. You’ll find homes and stores with potions, gris-gris dolls, and talismans. Visitors can get personal readings done, attend prayers, or partake in spiritual baths. Besides connecting to spirits, voodoo practices aim to help people connect to themselves. Many people seek out voodoo to feel less lonely or ease anxiety and depression. Others practice voodoo to help the sick, hungry, or poor. For anyone keen on following this trail, here are a few things you shouldn’t miss:

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum 

When in the French quarter, drop by this fascinating museum for insights into Voodoo history. The museum offers valuable learning on rituals, artifacts, and traditions across the city, Africa, and Haiti.

Marie Laveau’s Tomb

Pay your respects at Marie Laveau’s tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Even today, visitors will find various offerings like paper flowers and nickels on her tomb. A spiritual voodoo queen bar none, Laveau once lived on St. Ann Street in the French quarter. She worked for the hungry and sick, adopted children, and nursed people to health during the yellow fever epidemic. She was also a devout Catholic. Such was her power that politicians and businessmen never made crucial decisions without first consulting with Laveau.

Congo Square

Congo Square was once a cultural hub for hundreds of people from Africa. Here, they could sing, dance, perform drum circles, spiritual ceremonies, and practice voodoo without fear of retribution. Congo Square lies in Armstrong Park and continues to host events and cultural meetings. While you’re here, visit the Voodoo Spiritual Temple across the street. It’s the only formally established voodoo temple in New Orleans. Besides, visitors can also take educated tours run by several local organizations invested in voodoo history and culture.