When it comes to celebrating the spooky season, no place compares to Halloween in New Orleans. New Orleans is notorious for being one of the most haunted cities in the United States (if not the most haunted). The city has gained this title due to its extensive history and role in shaping North America. We’d argue that New Orleans shows just as much spirit for Halloween as they do Mardi Gras. There are tons of festivals and Halloween themed activities to do when October comes around, so whether you are a first-time visitor, a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or a family, there are countless activities for you to experience if you dare to spend Halloween in New Orleans.
As one of the most haunted cities in the world, New Orleans offers tons of spooky activities to try out. From the eerie above ground cemeteries to the ghost tours that follow the past inhabitants of the French Quarter to the haunted homes all around the city, New Orleans mysterious past makes it a great spot to learn about the supernatural. With the cultural blend of Spanish, French, and Creole paired with an intertwined history of voodoo and local folklore, spending Halloween in New Orleans offers unique authenticity that other “haunted” cities cannot match.
Another great reason to spend Halloween in New Orleans is because the city loves to throw a party and Halloween is just another excuse to have some spooky soirees. Residents will go all out and dress up and celebrate. Another thing New Orleans residents love to do is put on a costume so there will definitely be some cool characters hitting the streets in October. The entire month of October is full of Halloween themed activities like costume parades, haunted tours, and family-friendly activities. However, there is so much more to discover beyond the ‘regular’ Halloween festivities and you have the opportunity, if you want, to explore the darker side of New Orleans’ past.
New Orleans has always been a hub for paranormal activity, which makes it the perfect place for Halloween activities. New Orleans has intricate lore full of voodoo, vampires, and ghosts. For some reason Halloween in New Orleans just fits the vibe of the city. The historic city has shared stories of ghosts who have lingered on the streets of the French Quarter because they have unfinished business. Voodoo practitioners have called New Orleans home for centuries and Voodoo culture is deeply intertwined with New Orleans culture. Even Vampires are said to make appearances in the wee hours of the night looking for their next victim, or maybe just to have a bloody mary on Bourbon street, who knows? At any rate, New Orleans is a spooky spot full of ghouls, ghosts, and paranormal characters making it the perfect place to spend your Halloween.
As you know, New Orleans is a historic city. The city’s proximity to the Mississippi River has made it an ideal location for settlement and thus it has attracted people for centuries. The city of New Orleans was formally founded in 1718 by French Colonists but early inhabitants of Louisiana have called this region home for centuries. Naturally, a city this old is home to many people who have lived and died in New Orleans, making the city full with cemeteries. Your Halloween in New Orleans itinerary must have visiting the iconic New Orleans cemeteries’ in your agenda. The most famous cemetery in New Orleans is the St. Louis Cemetery no. 1 in the French Quarter. This cemetery was established in 1789 and is home to many old souls who lived in New Orleans centuries ago. The cemetery is an easy pit stop if you are already exploring the French Quarter so make sure to check it out when you are there. Another interesting fact about New Orleans cemeteries is that bodies must be buried in tombs above ground because New Orleans is below sea level. This different style of burial has sparked creativity in some grave designers who make intricate mausoleums above ground to host beloved friends and family who have passed.
If you are more intrigued by real life monsters then you need to go on a swamp tour when you’re spending Halloween in New Orleans. Swamp tours are an exciting way to see real life monsters (alligators) and creepy critters (racoons). Seriously, don’t overlook going on a swamp tour when you visit New Orleans, it’s a great way to learn more about the local ecosystem of the Louisiana marshlands and see some really cool animals. Maybe you may even spot some local legends in Louisiana folklore like the Rougarou (swamp werewolf). There are many great tours that take you around the swamp and if you are feeling extra brave, try out a night swamp tour and explore the slimy swamp in the darkness of the night.
Surrounding the great city of New Orleans are plantation homes. During the Antebellum era, Louisiana was a hub for trade due to its proximity to the Mississippi river and the fertile land. Wealthy residents of Louisiana built grand mansions called plantations where they would exploit enslaved African-Americans to harvest the crops grown in adjacent fields. Going on a plantation tour is a great way to learn about the harrowing past of the Antebellum period in Louisiana and pay homage to the slaves by learning about their stories and history while spending Halloween in New Orleans
As you can see by all the spooky sites and haunted histories of Louisiana, you’d be wise to speed Halloween in New Orleans. Whether you want to go on a ghostly tour of the french quarter, learn about the voodoo practices and legends, or brush up on the historical significance of Louisiana plantations, there is always something to do in New Orleans and during spooky season there is definitely no shortage of activities for anyone and everyone. Plan your Halloween in New Orleans now and check out some of the awesome tours we listed.
The American Alligator Welcome to the fascinating world of the American alligator, scientifically named the Alligator Mississippiensis! This remarkable reptile has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, leading to fascinating folklore and myths. Known for their prehistoric appearance and impressive size and presence, American alligators are often seen as symbols of the wetlands they […]
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