CuLTuRE VOODOO & VAMPIRES Exploring the City’s Mystical Heritage For centuries, voodoo has been alive in the traditions, people, and streets of New Orleans. Voodoo first came to Louisiana with enslaved West Africans, who merged their religious rituals and practices with those of the local Catholic population. Gris-gris dolls, potions, and talismans are still found in stores and homes throughout New Orleans – a reminder of the city’s fascination with spirits, magic, and mystery. The most famous voodoo queen was Marie Laveau (1794-1881), a legendary practitioner buried in St. Louis Cemetery No.1 . Today you can stay at the Inn on St. Ann in the Marie Laveau Annex, the Creole Cottage she once owned. Voodoo is still practiced here to help serve others and influence life events in connection with ancestors and spirits. Rituals are usually held privately, but there are various places that will give you a reading or assist in a ritual. The Voodoo Spiritual Temple is New Orleans' only formally established voodoo temple, located across the street from Congo Square . The New orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a great stop in the French Quarter to learn about the voodoo history of New Orleans and its rituals, voodoo altars, and artifacts from Africa, Haiti, and old New Orleans. There are several voodoo shops around the city where you can find candles, charms, and other spiritual items, too. NEW ORLEANS HISTORIC VOODOO MUSEUM ©Louisiana Office of Tourism Scan Here for More Voodoo! ST. LOUIS CEMETERY NO. 1 ©Flickr/Dan Zelazo NEWoRLEANS.CoM 25
New Orleans Official Visitors Guide 2026 Summer/Fall: Page 25
