
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.
