The History of Voodoo

What if the most misunderstood tradition in New Orleans is also one of its oldest and most enduring?

In the streets of the French Quarter, along the quiet waters of Bayou St. John, and deep within the city’s layered past, Voodoo has long been surrounded by mystery, fear, and fascination. For generations, stories have painted it as something secretive, dangerous, and otherworldly.

The truth is far more complex and far more compelling.

In The History of Voodoo: Spirits, Rituals, and Sacred Traditions of New Orleans, historian Gavin Benoit traces the origins of this powerful spiritual tradition from its roots in West Africa to its transformation in Haiti and its lasting presence in New Orleans. Along the way, he explores the lives of the people who shaped it, from the legendary Marie Laveau to the priests, healers, and practitioners who carried these traditions across centuries.

Blending careful historical research with vivid storytelling, this book separates myth from reality, revealing Voodoo not as a curiosity or spectacle, but as a living religion shaped by survival, adaptation, and community.

Discover the ceremonies, beliefs, and cultural forces that gave rise to one of the most iconic traditions in American history and learn how it continues to influence the identity of New Orleans today.

A compelling exploration of history, religion, and folklore in the heart of the Crescent City.