Halloween 2023: Unmasking New Orleans' Ghostly Secrets

Halloween, or All Hallow's Eve, in New Orleans is a fascinating mix of tradition and celebration. The city's lively spirit merges with its rich history, forming a unique event in which the veil between worlds seems to fade away. From the creepy legends of the Le Petit Theatre's dark history to the ghostly apparitions at the famous Andrew Jackson Hotel, every corner of the city's cobblestone streets seems to tell chilling stories of the supernatural. Voodoo culture adds a mystical touch, with shops offering mystical artifacts and psychic readings. It's an enchanting experience where the past meets the present, creating an unforgettable Halloween 2023 celebration in New Orleans.

New Orleans’ Iconic Ghostly Sites 

Le Petit Theatre  

In this place, you may come across Caroline, an actress from the 1930s, who tragically fell over the railing to her death in the courtyard below while dressed in a white wedding gown for the play that night. Additionally, you might encounter the captain who watches plays from his balcony seat, hoping to catch a glimpse of an actress whom he admired.

Faulkner House Books  

William Faulkner wrote his first novel while staying in this house in the 1920s. People swear they have seen his ghost sitting at the writing desk inside and say they can smell his pipe. 

St. Louis Cathedral  

St. Louis Cathedral is believed to be haunted by Pere Dagobert, pastor of St. Louis Cathedral in the mid-1700s. After worship, people have seen Dagobert’s spirit walking with his head lowered through the aisles.  

Pere Antoine was a beloved priest who worked tirelessly for the poor. Visitors to the alley alongside St. Louis Cathedral say you can see Pere Antoine’s ghost in the early morning, clad in a black capuchin and sandals. He has also been seen inside the Cathedral.  

Toast to the Spirits 

Muriel’s Jackson Square  

After losing this house in a poker game, Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan committed suicide upstairs in 1814. His ghost does not appear human but as a glimmer of sparkly light. There is even a séance room that guests can visit that honours Jourdan’s spirit. Located at the heart of the French Quarter, make sure to also enjoy its nationally recognized contemporary Creole Dining. The second floor offers an elegant Séance Lounge and a balcony overlooking the historic Jackson Square. 

Old Absinthe House  

This 200-year-old bar is haunted by famous customers who used to imbibe there. You might pull up a stool next to General Andrew Jackson, voodoo queen Marie Laveau, or the pirate Jean Lafitte. Doors open and close on their own while bottles, glasses, and chairs have been seen moving around the bar. 

Napoleon House  

This now-eatery and bar has had a few different roles since it was built around 1800, which has led to a variety of different spectres haunting the site. Because it served as a hospital during the Civil War, the ghost of a Confederate soldier can be spotted walking on the second-floor balcony. Other common ghostly phenomena are from the 20th century – the figure of a little old lady sweeping the balcony and the mysterious reappearance of glasses on the bar once everything has been cleaned and put away for the night. 

Stay at a Haunted Hotel 

The Bourbon Orleans   

The Bourbon Orleans was home to the famous Quadroon Balls. Today, a lonely ghost can be seen dancing beneath a crystal chandelier. The hotel is also home to a ghost nun who slapped a man working on a stairwell for swearing. 

Hotel Monteleone  

A stay at Hotel Monteleone comes with a dose of haunted history. Legend has it the 14th floor (actually the 13th floor) of Hotel Monteleone is home to some paranormal activity. Guests have reported hearing the footsteps of Maurice Begere, the young ghost child who haunts the hotel. 

Andrew Jackson Hotel 

The ghosts at the Andrew Jackson Hotel are some of the more interactive spectres encountered in the city. Back during the building’s tenure as a boys’ boarding school, five students died in a fire, but they have spent their afterlives playing and causing a bit of childlike mischief, and their laughter and footsteps are often heard throughout the hotel and courtyard. The spirits of the boys, along with one believed to be a former housekeeper, will move personal items and furniture around the guest rooms. The boys hide items as a joke while the housekeeper can be felt fluffing pillows and straightening towels.