New Orleans: Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour

New Orleans’ voodoo history is a captivating aspect of the city’s cultural identity. The guided walking tour invites participants to explore the significant sites and explore the rich tapestry of voodoo practices that have influenced the region. Knowledgeable guides lead the way, providing historically accurate insights and debunking common myths. From the home and tomb of the renowned Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau to the historic Congo Square, this immersive experience offers a compelling glimpse into the unique heritage of the Crescent City.

Key Points

• The 2-hour guided walking tour explores the voodoo heritage of New Orleans, including visits to the home and tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
• The tour provides insights into voodoo dolls, zombies, and Afro-Caribbean medicine, while correcting misconceptions and celebrating the fusion of religions.
• The tour highlights the historical significance of Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz, and the impact of voodoo on social issues within the city.
• The knowledgeable guides focus on historically accurate information rather than spooky folklore, offering an engaging storytelling experience to celebrate the cultural heritage of New Orleans voodoo.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and a "reserve now, pay later" option available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The New Orleans Voodoo History Tour offers visitors a guided walking exploration of the city’s rich voodoo heritage.

Visitors can explore New Orleans’ vibrant voodoo heritage through a guided walking tour of the city’s iconic locations.

Priced from $37 per person, the 2-hour tour takes guests through the city’s iconic locations, including the home and tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.

Led by live English-speaking guides, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can opt for the "reserve now, pay later" option.

The tour highlights the differences between various voodoo practices, corrects misconceptions, and celebrates the fusion of religions that shaped New Orleans voodoo.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on the New Orleans Voodoo History Tour can expect to visit the home and tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, explore the sacred grounds of Congo Square (the birthplace of jazz), and discover truths about voodoo dolls, zombies, and Afro-Caribbean medicine.

The tour aims to correct misconceptions and celebrate the fusion of religions that shaped local voodoo, focusing on Marie Laveau’s legacy, ceremonies, and rituals at Congo Square.

Participants will also learn about historical figures like Sanite Dede and the impact of voodoo on social issues, moving beyond spooky folklore to gain a deeper understanding of this complex and fascinating tradition.

Historical Context

Although voodoo in New Orleans has often been misunderstood and fetishized, it arrived via slave trade ships and represents the fusion of various religions that shaped local voodoo practices.

This tour aims to correct misconceptions and celebrate the historical significance of voodoo in the city. The focus is on the legacy of Marie Laveau, a renowned voodoo queen, and the importance of Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz, where voodoo ceremonies and rituals took place.

The tour also discusses historical figures like Sanite Dede and the impact of voodoo on social issues in New Orleans.

Tour Experience

The New Orleans Voodoo History Tour begins at the St. Louis side of Basin Street Station Visitors Center.

From there, the guided exploration takes guests to Marie Laveau’s home and other significant locations. Along the way, the knowledgeable tour guide provides insights into zombie lore, pandemic history, and traditional medicine practices.

The focus is on delivering historically accurate information rather than perpetuating spooky folklore. Through engaging storytelling, the tour aims to correct misconceptions and celebrate the fusion of religions that shaped local voodoo.

The experience offers an immersive look into this misunderstood yet influential aspect of New Orleans’ cultural heritage.

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Participant Information

Participants meet at the St. Louis side of the Basin Street Station Visitors Center to begin the New Orleans Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour.

The tour provides the following information for participants:

• Comfortable shoes are recommended for the 2-hour walking tour.

• Participants are encouraged to bring a camera to capture significant locations.

• Cash is suggested for potential souvenirs or tips for the engaging guide.

• Weather-appropriate clothing is advised, as the tour is held outdoors.

• The tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all guests.

Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s Legacy

Marie Laveau, the celebrated Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, left an indelible mark on the city’s spiritual landscape. Her home on St. Ann Street was a hub for her voodoo ceremonies and rituals.

Marie Laveau’s home on St. Ann Street was the center of her voodoo ceremonies and rituals in New Orleans.

Laveau’s legacy lives on through her tomb, where visitors leave offerings in hopes of gaining her favor. She’s credited with popularizing the practice of creating voodoo dolls, though the truth behind this claim remains murky.

Laveau’s influence extended to Congo Square, the historic gathering place where enslaved Africans practiced their ancestral traditions.

Today, her story continues to captivate those drawn to New Orleans’ rich voodoo heritage.

Voodoo Rituals and Ceremonies

Voodoo rituals and ceremonies in New Orleans are deeply rooted in the city’s rich cultural heritage. From the sacred grounds of Congo Square to the private altars of devoted practitioners, these ancient traditions continue to captivate both locals and visitors alike.

Key elements include:

• Invocation of Voodoo spirits and deities

• Use of symbolic objects like dolls, candles, and herbs

• Rhythmic drumming and chanting to induce trance-like states

• Healing rituals and divination practices

• Elaborate ceremonies commemorating important events and holidays

These rituals, often misunderstood, serve as a powerful connection to the African diaspora’s spiritual roots, shaping the unique identity of New Orleans Voodoo.

Dispelling Voodoo Myths and Misconceptions

Although the allure of New Orleans’ Voodoo tradition has long captivated the public imagination, many enduring misconceptions and myths continue to shroud this rich cultural practice.

The tour aims to dispel these prevalent notions, providing a nuanced understanding of Voodoo’s diverse influences and practices. Participants will learn the key differences between Haitian Voodoo, New Orleans Voodoo, Santeria, and Hoodoo, challenging the common conflation of these distinct traditions.

Plus, the tour addresses common myths surrounding Voodoo dolls, zombies, and the sensationalized depictions of Voodoo rituals, emphasizing the deep spiritual and community-based roots of this belief system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour overview states that the tour is "wheelchair accessible" and participants are encouraged to "bring a camera" to capture the experience.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

There’s no age limit for the tour. It’s suitable for all ages, though parental discretion is advised for younger participants due to the mature religious and historical themes covered during the walking tour.

Are Any Food or Drinks Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any food or drinks. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments as the 2-hour guided walking tour focuses on the historical and cultural aspects of New Orleans’ voodoo traditions.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. According to the participant information, the only items mentioned are comfortable shoes, a camera, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour is focused on a historical walking exploration, not a pet-friendly experience.

Is the Tour Offered in Any Other Languages?

The tour is currently only offered in English. The website doesn’t mention any other language options being available. However, visitors are encouraged to contact the tour provider if they require accommodations for a specific language need.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich voodoo heritage. Participants explore the history, practices, and cultural significance of this enduring tradition, while dispelling common myths. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an immersive and informative experience that celebrates the fusion of religions and social issues that have shaped New Orleans’ unique identity.

You can check availability for your dates here: