NEW ORLEANS (press release) – 21st Annual FREE VOODOOFEST at Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans in the French Quarter
Where: Voodoo Authentica of New Orleans Cultural Center & Collection – 612 rue Dumaine in the French Quarter
Who: Internationally Revered Haitian Vodou Priests Houngan Jean Francois Innocent and Mambo Maggie, Acclaimed Author and Chief Priestess Luisah Teish, Award Winning Local Musicians Sunpie Barnes & Luther Gray of Bamboula 2000, Master Haitian Drummer Houngan Piterson, Nana Sula, Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society, New Orleans’ own Vodou Priestess Ava Kay Jones, Published Author & Marie Laveaux Researcher Dr. Ina Fandrich, New Orleans Voodoo Priest & Published Author Belfazaar Ashantison, Haitian-Initiated Vodou Priest Houngan Jesse, Local Artist & Musician Extraordinaire Amzie Adams and the Voodoo Authentica Ritual Troupe!
What is VOODOOFEST?
VOODOOFEST is a FREE annual festival, held every Halloween, which celebrates the Voodoo religion’s many important contributions to New Orleans’ traditions. VOODOOFEST’s primary goals are to honor the Ancestors, educate the public about this widely misunderstood religion & to preserve and celebrate the unique Spiritual & Cultural Heritage of New Orleans.
Activities All Day:
Educational & Cultural Presentations, Book signings, Practitioner-Made Potion Oils & Gris Gris Bags, Over 100 varieties of locally handmade Voodoo Dolls & Crafts, Spiritual Work & Consultations, New Orleans, African & Haitian Art, Free Refreshments and more. Ancestral Ritual at 7 p.m.
Admission to VOODOOFEST is FREE. Your donations help us to keep it free and are GREATLY appreciated! Don’t forget to pick up your collectable VOODOOFEST 2019 Poster. This year’s poster by acclaimed local artist, Amzie Adams, promises to be a memorable addition to the collection. Every sale helps to support VOODOOFEST.
VOODOOFEST 2019 EVENTS SCHEDULE
1 PM: OPENING CEREMONY with Amzie Adams & Spiritwalker, led by Mambo Maggie, Papa Jean Francois, Maestro Piterson & our family of initiated Priests.
1:30 PM: Nana Sula, author of “Spirit of the Orisha”, takes us on a soul-filled musical journey into the world of the African Spirit Forces, sharing the meaning and beauty of Orisha songs.
2 PM: New Orleans Voodoo Priest, Belfazaar Ashantison, published author of, “Beneath the Sheltering Oak,” & “Voodoo Through My Eyes,” speaks about his close relationship to the Ancestors & how They assist him in his work as a Spiritual Consultant & Root Worker.
2:30 PM: Haitian-Initiated Cajun Vodou Priest, Jesse Brunet, a true Louisiana original, speaks about the fascinating history of the Cajun people and the tremendous contributions they’ve made to our local history & culture.
3 PM: New Orleans Native, Priestess Ava Kay Jones, speaks about her Spiritual journey, the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the importance of embracing diversity.
4 PM: Published author, academic & Vodou Practitioner, Dr. Ina Fandrich, speaks about the life & times of our Great Ancestor, Voodoo Queen Mam’zelle Marie Laveaux.
4:30 PM: Queen Cherice Harrison-Nelson, of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society, gives us a feminine insider’s view of the uniquely New Orleans Mardi Gras/Black Masking tradition through her interactive, multidiscipline presentation.
5 PM: Chief Priestess Luisah Teish, acclaimed author of, “Jambalaya,” and other cherished works, will lead us in songs to Eshu, the Trickster, Oya, the Boss Lady of the Cemetery & other Elders of the Night.
5:30 PM: Internationally renowned local musician & historian, Sunpie, discusses the African roots of our locally beloved music and dance, while performing some of his most popular songs.
6:15 PM: Bring your drums (and your clapping hands) for African Drumming 101! Award winning percussionist, Luther Gray, of Bamboula 2000, discusses the African roots of our locally beloved rhythms. Everyone is asked to participate & learn a few basic beats.
7 PM: CLOSING ANCESTRAL HEALING RITUAL with Master Haitian Drummer, Houngan Fan Fan, our extended family of initiated Priests, the Voodoo Authentica Ritual Troupe and YOU!
