Halloween in New Orleans October 2013

[Mixed Titles]

Everywhere else in the U.S. Halloween is a night of trick or treating for the kids. Here in New Orleans, like nearly everything else, it’s different. Halloween, Crescent City-style, is second only to Mardi Gras for wild and crazy fun and it isn’t just for kids, either. Adults get to join in the fun as well. In fact, it’s probably even more fun for the grown-ups than it is for the little ones!

It’s a night you might run into a vampire. Or MANY vampires! Or many other weird and ghastly characters. New Orleanians are devilishly clever when it comes to devising imaginative and outlandish costumes. No other city in the world does this better than us.

On and around All Hallows’ Eve in New Orleans there is something for everyone; from the smallest trick-or-treaters to the biggest party monsters. This is a city so rich in haunted history it is widely known as “The Most Haunted City in America.” Because of this there is no better place in this country to party on the weirdest night of the year.You might want to start with one of the many haunted tours through the French Quarter or some other spooky part of the city. There are haunted houses Uptown, in the Garden District and elsewhere, if you know where to go or are with someone who does. And then, of course, there are the world-famous cemeteries where the dearly departed are buried in tombs aboveground. Hundreds of stories abound in which the ghosts of these “Cities of the Dead” make their presence known, some of which have actually been documented and visually captured.

While prowling around the French Quarter there are a number of Voodoo shops you can check out to learn a little more about the history behind these centuries-old spiritual practices. You might even learn a few spells and mystical incantations. There are even shops catering specifically to vampires, believe it or not. Some of the shops plan special events for Halloween, so make sure you stop by and get in on the action...

If you aren’t out on Halloween in costume, you are missing out on the most fun. But, what if you don’t have one? No problem. One of the city’s many costume shops will be happy to fix you up for the occasion. You can get anything from cat ears and bat wings and vampire fangs to the most over-the-top outfits you’ve ever seen anywhere. Including feather boas, multicolored wigs and masks for those who are into glamour. And, once you’re in costume, you might find an open party or bar that’s heavy into the spirit of the evening. Most bars, shops and eateries welcome and encourage costumed guests on Halloween night or on the closest Saturday night preceding Halloween.

Halloween night, October 31, falls on a Thursday in 2013, so much of the action will take place the preceding weekend. And, with Daylight Savings Time now extended into early November, it doesn’t get dark until an hour later than in the past. All vampires and other creatures of darkness who shun the light be forewarned!

One of the biggest Halloween celebrations occurs every year on Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny. Throngs of partygoers, including locals and tourists, take to the streets in their elaborate and frequently outlandish outfits. Of course, you can expect to find many kindred “spirits” among the frenzied throng and you might even run into a “blood” relative or two.

[Hippy]