Taking a Voodoo tour of the French Quarter is the city's most unique experience. Our tours takes place in Congo Square, the Treme, and the French Quarter.
Shrouded in mystery and secrecy—and often misrepresented by nefarious ceremonies in Hollywood depictions—Voodoo has long reigned in New Orleans legends, myths, and history.
We offer TWO Voodoo tours that can be combined for a full experience - a morning Voodoo in Congo Square Tour with High Priest Robi for an interactive Voodoo tour, and then join us for a family-friendly and educational walking tour about Voodoo in New Orleans.
Which Voodoo Tour Should You Take?
The morning Voodoo with Priest Robi is about the current practice of voodoo - this is an interactive tour and includes a blessing. This tour brings challenging conversations about modern perceptions of Voodoo and how its history is has been portrayed.
The afternoon Unveiling Voodoo Walking Tour is more traditional walking tour of history of Voodoo in New Orleans. We visit more locations and cover more stops on this tour.
Take both for a full picture of Voodoo in New Orleans.
Unveiling Voodoo Walking Tour
Spirituality was hidden among the enslaved persons of the 1700s, and it was popularized and commercialized by the famous Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau in the nineteenth century.
And still functions as a valid religion in modern-day cities. But how do you separate the facts from so much fiction, rumors, and superstitions?
How do you separate the theatrics of a ghost tour from the real thing?
Join our New Orleans Voodoo Tour as we seek to illuminate one of New Orleans’ most unique subcultures.
In the video below, Priest Robi, Sandy, and Andrew, all tour guides with Tours by Foot, discuss the myths and legends of Marie Laveau.
From its roots in West Africa to the modern-day temples inside the French Quarter, we will explore historic and current practitioners' history, culture, and beliefs.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Along the way, our guides will explain the truth behind the more popular superstitions and the meaning of some of the stranger rituals.
The tour ends with a stop inside a Voodoo temple and a chance to pick up some New Orleans “gris-gris” to take home!
Sights, people, and topics we cover on the New Orleans Voodoo Tour include:
- Congo Square: Explore the vibrant heart of New Orleans, where enslaved Africans once gathered to practice their cultural rituals and music, laying the foundation for the city’s rich Voodoo traditions.
- Slavery and the Code Noir in colonial New Orleans: Uncover the dark history of slavery under the Code Noir and its profound impact on the city's culture and spirituality.
- The Haitian Rebellions: Learn about the Haitian Rebellions and how they influenced the spread of Voodoo practices throughout New Orleans.
- Marie Laveau, the “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans”: Discover the life and legends of Marie Laveau, the most famous Voodoo practitioner in history. Due to new security regulations by the Archdiocese of New Orleans pilgrimages, this tour does not visit St. Louis #1 Cemetery. Offerings to Marie Laveau's tomb are discouraged.
- Voodoo Dolls, Vevers, and Gris-Gris Bags: Get hands-on with Voodoo artifacts, including dolls, vevers, and gris-gris bags, and learn their meanings and uses.
- Saint John’s Eve and other Voodoo holidays: Celebrate the unique Voodoo holidays and traditions that shape New Orleans culture.
- Depictions of Voodoo in popular culture
- The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
- Voodoo Authentica and other modern temples: Visit contemporary Voodoo temples, including Voodoo Authentica, to witness modern practices and rituals.
- And much more.
TOUR DETAILS FOR THE UNVEILING VOODOO WALKING TOUR
- The tour begins at the Archway to Armstrong Park on Rampart Street (map)
- Tour ends at VooDoo Authentica (map).
- Tour lasts 1.5 hours. Total walking is about 1 mile.
- This tour runs on a ticketed basis with ticket prices from $39.00. We aim for small groups of 12-14 people; though you may see "more spots" available, we often run the tour with multiple guides.
Save more money in New Orleans with a tourist discount pass and consider a swamp tour and a plantation tour.
Voodoo in Congo Square Tour with High Priest Robi
This walking tour of Congo Square steps into the mystical world of Voodoo with High Priest Robi, a Louisiana native and seasoned practitioner. This unique and immersive tour is crafted for cultural explorers eager to understand the depth and history of Voodoo.
This is a profound journey through time, culture, and beliefs. You will experience Voodoo and end with a Voodoo blessing by High Priest Robi.
Please note that this tour will involve strong language and challenging topics.
This tour can be taken with our Unveiling Voodoo tour at 3 PM for a full immersive experience bringing you the history of Voodoo in New Orleans in the afternoon plus an authentic Voodoo blessing on the morning's tour.
What You Will Discover in Congo Square
- History of Voodoo Artifacts: Uncover the origins and significance of Voodoo Dolls, Gris Gris bags, and other artifacts that play a pivotal role in Voodoo practices.
- Journey of Voodoo from Africa to the Americas: Trace the roots of Voodoo from its African origins, through the horrors of slavery, to its establishment in the Americas, and uncover how Voodoo was secretly practiced on plantations.
- Creole Culture and Voodoo: Explore the rich interplay between Creole culture and Voodoo practices.
- Therapeutic Voodoo Cleanse and Ceremony: Participate in a cleansing ritual led by High Priest Robi, designed to offer therapeutic benefits.
- Foraging in Voodoo: Discover the importance of foraging in Voodoo and how it is practiced today.
- Confronting Social Issues: Delve into the links between Voodoo and issues such as racism, homophobia, and transphobia.
- Marie Catherine Laveau’s Legacy: Learn about the legendary Marie Catherine Laveau and her indelible mark on Voodoo history.
- Authentic Voodoo Shops: Get recommendations for genuine Voodoo shops in the area that are worth visiting.
- Community Ceremonies: Experience the communal aspect of Voodoo with Sunday ceremonies.
- Starting Voodoo at Home: Receive guidance on how to begin practicing Voodoo privately in your own home.
- Blessing from High Priest Robi: End the tour with a personal blessing from High Priest Robi.
Why Choose This Tour?
Led by a real Voodoo priest, this tour offers unparalleled authenticity and insight. High Priest Robi brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience, making this a truly unique opportunity to explore the intricate tapestry of Voodoo.
Are you ready to challenge your perceptions and gain a deeper understanding of Voodoo? Join us for an unforgettable experience that blends history, culture, and spirituality. Book now and start exploring the world of Voodoo with High Priest Robi.
This tour is name your own price where you pay the guide at the end what you thought it was worth. Group sizes range from 20-25 people on these types of tours.
Note: This tour includes challenging topics and strong language.
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