Pardon My French

The Dark Side of New Orleans

For our last stop in the world of the Francophonie, we return to North America. This time we’ll explore New Orleans’ occult past. 

In Brief

New Orleans is often regarded as the cultural capital of the South. The city has long been a cultural hub in the United States. Though mostly known for its French heritage, the city is as culturally diverse — steeped in rich and unique traditions — as all the other destinations we’ve explored so far. 

Founded by Montreal native Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne de Bienville, the city’s French heritage has thrived for over 300 years, adding to its cultural diversity over time (New Orleans boasts African-American and Spanish influences as well). Both Creoles and Cajuns contributed to New Orleans’ cuisine, language, and history (and countless others continue to contribute to its cultural growth). Today, the city remains an important center for cultural expression. 

The Vieux Carré & Voodoo

Venturing into the French Quarter or the Old City is a must when in New Orleans. Aside from its tempting culinary options, jazz clubs, and museums, this side of town is well known for its dark past. If you’re interested in ghosts and the occult, New Orleans is the place for you!

Superstition and a strong history of the occult are so deeply ingrained in the city’s DNA, that you’ll find evidence of it beyond the dozens of occult and Voodoo shops. It’s in the way property is often advertised as ‘haunted’ or ‘not haunted,’ and in the way doorknobs and keyholes are sometimes upside down (whether all locals are this superstitious or its just for the tourists is up for debate).

Voodoo was introduced to the city in the 19th century by Haitian immigrants. The Voodoo practiced in New Orleans (and Louisiana) is unique to the area because it fuses elements from the Voodoo originally practiced in Africa and the Caribbean and elements of Catholicism introduced by the French. The practice is heavily shrouded in myth and mystery, but a trip to the New Orleans History Museum could lead you to gain a completely different perspective. For many New Orleanians throughout history, Voodoo was simply practiced as any other religion, and not necessarily as a way to cast dark spells on others (however, those were a thing). 

Back in the day, Voodoo queens like Marie Laveau played important roles in their communities. Laveau herself was very charitable and was often consulted by politicians and businessmen before they made any important decisions. Today, Voodoo is still practiced; individuals can arrange for a reading or ritual to be held in private. As it was then, the practice is also a way for individuals to connect with their past and with their ancestors. 

Beyond 

Plenty of ghost tours are given year round, or you can visit the city’s many cemeteries. While much of New Orleans’ dark side is known for its vampires or creatures like the Loup Garou (a shape shifting wolf or werewolf, in other words), the ghosts of New Orleans live in the shadows and corners of the city. Beyond the dark, the superstitions, and occult practices that reign, these remain a testament to the cultural heart and heritage of New Orleans.