a Black woman holds a pale yellow snake while wearing a head wrap

Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits, and Hoodoo Saints: A Guide to Magical New Orleans

by Denise Alvarado Author

In this fantastically witchy guide to New Orleans, follow author and New Orleans native Denise Alvarado as she takes you through the storied streets of this magical city. The history of New Orleans as a port city in the Deep South with a large Black population from all over the Caribbean means that the magic of Vodou is woven into every aspect of the city. Alvarado recounts the stories of some of the most famous figures in the city's history, including Papa Legba, Annie Christmas, Black Hawk, African-American culture hero Jean St. Malo, St. Expedite, plague saint Roch, and, of course, the mother and father of New Orleans Voudou, Marie Laveau and Doctor John Montenée. Even if you've visited New Orleans a dozen times before, Alvarado is sure to teach you a thing or two you didn't know yet.