04/17/2026
Origins of Voodoo in New Orleans
Synonymous with 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. New Orleans Voodoo is also known as Voodoo-Catholicism. It is a religion connected to nature, spirits, and ancestors. Voodoo was bolstered when followers fleeing Haiti after the 1791 slave revolt moved to New Orleans and grew as many free people of color made its practice an important part of their culture. Voodoo queens and kings were spiritual and political figures of power in 1800s New Orleans.
The core belief of New Orleans Voodoo is 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, music, chanting, and snakes.
Today, gris-gris dolls, potions, and talismans are still found in stores and homes throughout the city – a reminder of the New Orleans fascination with spirits, magic, and mystery. Voodoo practices include readings, spiritual baths, prayer, and personal ceremony. It is used to cure anxiety, addictions, and feelings of depression or loneliness, as well as to help the poor, hungry, and the sick.
Voodoo in Practice: Congo Square
Located in Armstrong Park in the Treme neighborhood, Congo Square served as a gathering place for enslaved Africans. It was a place reserved for African traditions and cultural expression, including Voodoo.
Hundreds of people would gather to form drum circles and spiritual ceremonies. The area remains open today and continues to host cultural meetings.
The most famous voodoo queen was Marie Laveau (1794-1881), a legendary practitioner who was buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. She was a devout Catholic and attended Mass at St. Louis Cathedral. She encouraged others to do the same. She lived in the French Quarter on St. Ann Street, where many people stopped to ask for her help at all hours of the day and night. She was a free woman of color who adopted children, fed the hungry, and nursed the sick during the yellow fever epidemic. She was known to help enslaved servants and their escapees. It is said that politicians, lawyers, and businessmen consulted her before making any financial or business-related decisions.
Her home was adorned with candles, images of saints, altars, and items to protect the house from spirits. You can find nickels, paper flowers, and various offerings on her tomb today. Stay at the Inn on St. Ann in the Marie Laveau Annex, the Creole Cottage she actually owned.
Dr. John
Perhaps the most famous voodoo king of New Orleans was Dr. John, also known as Bayou John. He was born in Senegal, where he was kidnapped as an enslaved person and brought to Cuba. He eventually moved to New Orleans as a cotton-roller, where he became part of the local voodoo community. He bought property on Bayou Road and became known as an excellent Voodoo healer and fortune teller. He was the teacher of Marie Laveau.
Voodoo Celebrations: St. John’s Eve
St. John's Eve is celebrated on June 23 worldwide to mark the summer solstice. The holiday is celebrated especially in New Orleans each year. The celebration began in the 1830s with Marie Laveau on Bayou St. John. A head-washing ritual was combined with a public party, a celebration that International House Hotel has since adopted. You can also return to Bayou St. John each year to participate in the ritual.
Today, Voodoo remains in practice to serve others and influence life events in connection with ancestors and spirits. Rituals are usually held privately, but various places offer readings or assist with rituals. 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 city's Voodoo history. Learn about rituals, voodoo altars, and artifacts from Africa, Haiti, and old New Orleans.
Take an educated tour about Voodoo in New Orleans from Haunted History Tours, Island of Algiers Tours, or Free Tours by Foot.
Several Voodoo shops can still be found around the city, such as Voodoo Authentica, Island of Salvation Bontanica, and of course, Marie Laveau House of Voodoo. Shop for products or get a personal reading.
