HIGH SPIRITS

New Orleans Voodoo, Haunted Houses and all that jazz...

The enchanting New Orleans food, sights, and attractions have a way of bringing travelers under its irresistible spell. You haven’t had your creepiest, most exhilarating October until you’ve experienced it in the paranormal streets of the Big Easy.

New Orleans is a spiritual city serious about their Louisiana Voodoo. The term “voodoo” tends to freak most people out, being that movies and television shows present it as something evil. Voodoo is a religion that was brought to the southern states in the 1700s during the Atlantic Slave Trade. The French Creole African Americans were heavily influenced by their culture and rituals which in turn lead to the morphing into Louisiana’s own voodoo. Practitioners connect with spirits and ancestors through dance, prayer, readings, and snakes in private in order to impact the future. Its main purpose is to cure people of anxiety, depression, addictions, and sickness.

Charms and amulets worn and made in voodoo are referred to as gris-gris and give the wearer good luck. Grisgris, potions, and voodoo dolls are a popular find in the gift

shops. Do not be alarmed, being in possession of a voodoo doll will not summon the devil or dismantle others. The goal is to spread wellness and positivity. It is a common misconception that pins are put in a doll to physically harm the person it represents. In reality, the pins were just used to attach pictures or things to attract the spirits. Voodoo dolls are really meditation and healing devices. It is only dangerous if the person using it has bad intentions.

Voodoo Queens were powerful community leaders who held rituals and sold gris-gris. There were fifteen Voodoo Queens in New Orleans in the 19th Century. You may have gotten a glimpse of a fictional representation of the famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and serial killer Delphine LaLaurie in the popular show “American Horror Story: Coven.” Believe it or not, Louisiana voodoo is closely linked to Catholicism which is mostly because of Marie Laveau. She was a Catholic hairdresser who gained followers by successfully helping numerous slaves escape and caring for the hungry and poor. Laveau remains an important figure in New Orleans culture and her tomb in the St. Louis Cemetery brings in visitors hoping she can grant their wishes.

As for Madame LaLaurie, a fire revealed her torturous treatment of numerous slaves in the attic of her mansion on 1140 Royal Street. They were malnourished for sure, but did she really drill holes in their heads and break their bones? No one can go into the mansion today, as it is said to be cursed and haunted by the slaves, however, to learn if her legend and the measures she took are true, take one of the many ghost tours. LaLaurie mansion is in the French Quarter, where most of the craved food and signature cocktails are located, so it is no surprise it is also known to be the most haunted district. Knowledgeable historians tell real ghost stories day and night at the buildings and cemeteries the spirits roam. While you walk, you’ll also observe the unique architecture and landmarks such as the St. Louis Cathedral, and sweet jazz music in the background.

Looking for a place to stay? Those who dare have hotel options with ghost sightings and interactions. Hotel Provencial, once a military hospital, is a battleground of wounded soldiers from the Civil War who have not moved on. Couples may be interrupted by a lady ghost of the night in Hotel Villa Conveto, originally a brothel. The luxurious Dauphine Orleans Hotel holds the once brothel, May Bailey’s Place bar. It is visited by Millie in her lace wedding dress who was May Bailey’s younger sister. Then there’s the grand Hotel Monteleone. Let’s just say you may want to stay clear of the elevators there, but definitely hit the rotating Carousel Bar & Lounge. Despite what could wake you up in the night, these high end hotels are extraordinary in every other way.

Looking for something less spooky? We don’t know if that’s possible, but if you missed NOLA’s Mardi Gras extravaganza, especially don’t miss their over-the-top fall festivities. There’s Oktoberfest, New Orleans Film Festival, and Voodoo Music Experience to name a few. On Saturday, October 21st the Vieux Carré transforms into the “Boo Carré” after dark for the Krewe of Boo Halloween parade, notorious since 2007 with world-class floats. Or you can visit Le Petit Théâtre, New Orleans’ oldest playhouse for a performance. Alright, we admit this place is haunted, too.

It may be difficult to leave Panther Nation, however once you step into New Orleans’ lively culture and discover its history, the magical energy will convince you to book another visit. And a voodoo doll isn’t to blame. The most haunted city in America will be one of your favorite places to explore and get a thrill in the fall.