2025 New Orleans National Vodou Day promises an inspiring and immersive experience with a diverse lineup of engaging events. Highlights include an educational symposium featuring distinguished speakers from around the world, including a delegation of scholars and spiritual leaders from Benin and Haiti, as well as art exhibitions showcasing Vodou-inspired works by talented local and international artists. The event will also feature a children's program and an Afro-Ecology Exhibit exploring the sacred nature of plants in Vodou, their role in spiritual practices, and their connection to our ancestors.

The weekend will culminate in a ceremonial procession to nine significant sites throughout the city—locations where the enslaved were brought ashore, held, auctioned, and where they later found community. This journey will begin at the Transatlantic Slave Route to New Orleans marker on the Moon Walk (at the river) and conclude with a Traditional Vodou Ceremony at Congo Square.

Additionally, visitors can participate in interactive workshops, community discussions, and opportunities to connect with practitioners and cultural experts. This multi-faceted celebration offers something for everyone, creating a meaningful space to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

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Here is the event schedule for the weekend:

April 4

• 10:30 AM – Press Conference at Café Istanbul

April 5 (Xavier University, Qatar Pharmacy Pavilion)

• 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM – African Traditional Religions and Connections to Global Healing: Demystifying the Most Ancient and Mysterious Traditions on Earth (Presented in partnership with Xavier University’s African American Diaspora Studies program)

• 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM – Art Show & Afro-Ecology Exhibit: “Medicine and Magic of New Orleans VooDoo”

• 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Kids Program (NOTE: held in University Center Rooms 205 & 205C)

• 3:30-4:30 PM Central : LIVESTREAM of the Panel Discussion

April 6

• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Processional (Starting at the Moon Walk on the River, Transatlantic Slave Trade marker)

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Break for Lunch

• 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Vodou Ceremony in Congo Square

• 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Closing Blessing by Mr. Kakpo, Head Babalawo of Benin and President of Benin’s Vodun Committee and Vodou Days accompanied by Manbo Zila Moyo Nzingha Nandi