CELEBRATE
New Orleans
VOODOO
Voodoo came to New Orleans in the early 1700s through slaves brought from Africa ’ s western “ slave coast .” Voodoo then infused with the city ’ s dominant religion , Catholicism , becoming a Voodoo- Catholicism hybrid sometimes referred to as New Orleans Voodoo .
Every year , locals and tourists alike enjoy going to the Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Cultural Center and Collection ’ s free annual VoodooFest , held every Halloween ( October 31st ) from 1pm to 7pm . In 2021 , the festival will celebrate its 23rd year of sharing Voodoo ’ s many invaluable contributions to our city ’ s unique historic and present culture . Through entertaining musical presentations and educational lectures by local favorites , it endeavors to shed light on this widely misunderstood religion . Bring your drum , rattle , or clapping hands and don ’ t miss the festival ’ s closing Ancestral Healing Ritual at 7pm !
Voodoo Authentica is a practitioner owned and operated establishment since 1996 . They provide a complete line of locally handmade Voodoo dolls , gris gris bags , potion oils and other unique New Orleans , Haitian , and African spiritual arts and crafts . In addition , they offer rituals , readings , classes , spiritual work and consultations by their experienced team of in-house practitioners . Admire their altar dedicated to Marie Laveau and leave an offering .
Marie Laveau ( 1794 – 1881 ) was a free woman of color , as well as a quadroon of African , Indian , French , and Spanish descent , she became the most famous and powerful Voodoo Queen in the world . By the 1830s , she was widely known as the Pope of Voodoo . Marie , a hairdresser by trade , was privy to the secrets of the wealthiest New Orleanians . She was also a selfless nurse who ministered to those stricken with yellow fever during the epidemic . Because she was a devout Catholic who attended mass every day , Marie gained the respect of the priests and received permission to perform her Voodoo rituals behind St . Louis Cathedral . It ’ s clear that throughout her very long and colorful life she wore many hats , which gained her the love , respect of the masses — and in some cases , their fear .
It is undoubtedly her role as Voodoo Priestess which brought her the most fame and brings people from all over the world to ask for special favors at her tomb in St . Louis # 1 Cemetery on Basin Street . Marie Laveau ’ s tomb is frequently covered with rosaries , flowers , coins , and other offerings . Voodoo practitioners still perform rituals there to pay respect to their most beloved ancestor and patron .
Experience VoodooFest yourself ! Come to understand the core belief of New Orleans Voodoo : that one God does not interfere in daily lives , but that spirits do . Connection with these spirits can be obtained through various rituals such as dance , drumming , music , chanting , and snakes .
Voodooshop . com , open daily from 11am to 7pm at 612 rue Dumaine . www . FrenchQuarterly . com Fall 2021 | 19