Halloween in New Orleans is second only to Mardi Gras when it comes to costumes, revelry, and an overall good time!
New Orleans: The Most Haunted City in America
Photo by Peyton Stanton via flickr.
It comes as no surprise that New Orleans is so rich in haunted history as it is widely known as The Most Haunted City in America. If you thought that Halloween was just a night for the kids, think again! Here in New Orleans, like most everything else, it's different. Few cities revel in the ghastly and supernatural like New Orleans does. Here’s how we suggest celebrating the most haunting weekend of the year:
New Orleans Haunted Tours
Spirits of the city’s storied and sometimes dark past are still believed to dwell in the many of the city's old buildings and graveyards. From the LaLaurie Mansion to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, there are traces of the supernatural all over the city, from the French Quarter to the Garden District. To experience these paranormal phenomena, a number of tours are offered by experienced guides. Take one, if you dare, and see why New Orleans' title of "Most Haunted City in America" is well deserved!
*Please note that under the new rules set by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, ALL visitors to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 MUST be accompanied by licensed tour guide.
Marie Laveau’s Voodoo
Photo by Andrea Young via flickr.
Be sure to stop by one of the French Quarter’s many Voodoo shops to try and waken the spirit of Marie Laveau, the High Priestess of 19th century New Orleans, who can still be felt in the vibes that surround you in some of these shops. You might even learn a few spells and mystical incantations. Many of the shops have special Halloween events.
New Orleans Street Parties
Of course any celebration involving costumes is going to be popular in New Orleans! One of the biggest celebrations occurs on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, a short walk from the French Quarter. Frenchmen Street will be packed with partygoers, tourists and locals alike, showing off their most elaborate, and even outlandish, costumes.
Jim Monaghan's Halloween Parade will roll again with its annual procession through the French Quarter on Monday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. Costumed riders will toss Halloween-themed throws from horse-drawn carriages, plus there will be local marching clubs, bands and dance troupes. The route begins and ends at Molly's at the Market, and the parade will pause at the Erin Rose for a costume contest.
Krewe du Boo has quickly become one New Orleans’ biggest parades outside of Mardi Gras. This parade features elaborate costumes, extravagant and artfully-designed floats, unique locally-made throws, and some of the city’s best marching bands and dancers. This “rolling party” is highly anticipated every year, and draws enormous crowds that rival those of some of the biggest Mardi Gras parades. Krewe du Boo typically rolls a weekend or two before October 31st, so check their website for the exact date each year and check out the 2019 promo video below!
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
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