The air is getting a tad crisper in New Orleans these days, which of course can only mean one thing- Halloween (and raking leaves) is just around the corner! It may still be September, but our favorite transient 'Spirit' stores are cropping up all over town, giving early birds and opportunity to have first dibs on some questionably creative costumes for the days ahead.
In a city that's generally spooky year round, October 31st is a particularly festive holiday in the 'Big Easy'. The creepy occasion amplifies tenfold our love for all things ghosts, goblins, vampires, and partying. In recent years New Orleans has become THE national hotspot for Halloween, as visitors travel from far and wide to get a taste of our ghoulish celebrations, and haunted history. Voodoo songs fill the air, cemeteries seem to come to life, and despite the incessant festivities, we still manage to keep a watchful eye out for maybe one of Anne Rice's famous vampires creeping around the darkened corners of the French Quarter.
Each year New Orleans Halloween goers are treated to a vast array of party options to choose from. Thousands of locals take their macabre merriment from the city's annual Halloween parade, down to Frenchman St. in the Faubourg Marigny (giving Bourbon St. a true run for its money one night out of the year). Others will frequent their fright night on a more commercial level, as the city is celebrating its 29th year of 'Halloween in New Orleans', a four day blowout sponsored by some big time corporate names. If that weren't enough, the Anne Rice Fan Club Gala, Ghoulish Gala, Endless Night Festival, and haunted city tours offer party goers a unique glimpse of this city's ghastly revelry.
As far as the younger crowds are concerned, aside from your standard trick or treating, some of them may enjoy the city's first rate 'Haunted Houses' such as 'The Mortuary' (which is an actual haunted mortuary), and the House of Shock.
And why leave New Orleans without experiencing a world class music festival? Each year 'Voodoo Fest' presents its all-star lineup on the weekend closest to Halloween, giving festival attendees 3 days of unique local performers and national headliners alike.
So TREAT yourself to a stay at one of the cities many haunted hotels, and gear up for an 'All Hallow's Eve' celebration that you will never forget!! We'll be waiting…muhahahaha!
