Is Voodoo in New Orleans practiced like it is in Africa or Haiti?
No, not very much at all. Voodoo in Africa and Haiti has maintained much of its original structure and orthodoxy, whereas Voodoo in New Orleans is more of a folk religion composed of European, indigenous American, and, most especially, African cultural elements. New Orleans Voodoo is associated with memorable personalities such as Dr. John and Marie LaVeau who were responsible for maintaining the African spiritual presence in an environment which was almost always hostile to it. Many of today’s priests and priestesses in New Orleans are finding their way back to the original form of practicing African religion through initiations in both Africa and Haiti.
