Youth Program –
New Orleans National Vodou Day

The New Orleans National Vodou Day Youth Program is dedicated to engaging and empowering the next generation through immersive cultural experiences, storytelling, and hands-on creative activities. Rooted in the rich traditions of Vodou, our youth programming fosters a deep appreciation for ancestral wisdom, community values, and spiritual heritage.

Young participants will explore the art, music, and sacred practices of Vodou through interactive workshops, performances, and guided discussions. Led by experienced educators, artists, and cultural bearers, the program provides a safe and welcoming space for youth to learn, express, and connect with the vibrant legacy of Vodou.

By nurturing curiosity, creativity, and respect for tradition, the Youth Program ensures that the spiritual and cultural knowledge of Vodou continues to thrive for generations to come. Join us in celebrating heritage, honoring ancestors, and inspiring the future!

Symbols, Shapes & Movements

Discover how shapes and symbols can inspire dance! Get ready to use your imagination with a fun filled, delightful experience creating dance movements with universal images.

Lead by Kamili Nilata, MS, BS

an Emmy- winning choreographer and arts integration educator, is the Founder and Artistic Director of Living with Joy and Movement, LLC. She blends her extensive dance anthropology training with global cultural immersion by weaving mindfulness and diverse dance forms into transformative educational experiences. Her work has impacted students globally and spans from New Orleans, Cuba and West Africa with the aim to cultivate self-discovery and foster community awareness.

livingwithjoyandmovement@yahoo.com

Book Reading

Esmeralda the Cemetery Cat meets Marie Laveau.

Patrick Caldwell

is an artist and author who melts the fabric of reality through the surreal lens of art, distorting the ordinary into dreamlike wonders that dance between imagination and existence. When he’s not creating books, he’s busy making art that celebrates the spooky, the whimsical, and everything in between. He hopes Esmeralda’s story inspires kids to see that love never truly fades—it just finds new ways to shine!

Rhythm Class

Discover the cultural significance of African diasporic rhythms and experience the mind-body connection through drumming and percussion.

Lead by Harriet Barnes-Duke

Harriet Barnes-Duke has been a student of afro-diasporic music since she studied New Orleans Voodoo and ritual/popular music for her undergraduate thesis. She went on to study Ghanaian trad music in grad school at Tufts University, where she traveled to Ghana to learn dance drumming and polyrhythm. She was a performing member of the Agbekor Drum and Dance Society in Boston, MA for many years. Now located in New Orleans, Harriet is a member of the House of Maman Brigitte, and continues to learn the rhythms of the Loa and deepen her connection to Vodou through music. She has a passion for teaching the youth and spreading knowledge about trad music to keep it alive and well!

Art Activities

Get creative with coloring pages for younger artists and the opportunity to design veves—sacred symbols in Vodou— for older participants.

Meet Miss Jasmine, a dedicated Haitian Vodou practitioner and Children's Outreach Committee member for New Orleans National Vodou Day. A firm believer in the cosmic connection of children, she is passionate about creating safe and nurturing spaces where young ones can explore their spiritual heritage with joy and guidance.

Youth Program Offerings

Designed to engage and inspire children of all ages, this interactive program introduces young participants to the vibrant culture and traditions of Vodou through music, dance, art, and storytelling.

Activities include:

9.30 - 10 am 📚 Book Readings (Ages 2-6): Explore stories that share the cultural heritage of Vodou, with a focus on its deep connection to Louisiana.
10:10 am - 10:40 am 💃 Dance Class: Symbols, Shapes & Movements (Ages 2nd-4th Grade & 5th Grade and Up): Learn African diasporic dance movements that connect body and spirit, led by experienced instructors.
10:50 am - 11:20 am 🎨 Art Activities (Ages 2-10): Get creative with coloring pages for younger artists and the opportunity to design veves—sacred symbols in Vodou— for older participants.
11:30 am - 12pm🪘 Rhythm Class (Ages 5 and Up): Discover the cultural significance of African diasporic rhythms and experience the mind-body connection through drumming and percussion.