Rhythmic drumming vibrates through the soles of dancing feet. Powerful songs create a hum that fills the senses. Vodou ceremonies and practices are deeply rooted in the beauty of African spiritualism, but they've been pirated to make a quick buck.
The enslaved brought their worship onto the shores of Louisiana where our ancestors were forced to worship in secret. That richness of spirit and culture eventually became a dominating force throughout the state, but especially in New Orleans.
A closed spiritual practice, meaning only those of African descent can practice it, Vodou has been commodified and marketed to non-Black people who call it “Voodoo.”
The historical and cultural significance Vodou has had on the city is a revenue goldmine. From entertainment to tours and paraphernalia sales, Vodou’s impact has helped generate over $1.14 billion in tourism revenue as of 2022.
Vodou's beautiful, nature-based practice has been smeared so severely that many of our people falsely view it as evil. However, Vodou is a profoundly spiritual practice connected to the land and spirits around us that should be respected.