There is nothing quite like Halloween in New Orleans, but this year’s Hallo-weekend is going to be even more special because The Voodoo Music + Arts Experience is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Over the course of 20 years, Voodoo has hosted over 2000 artists and 1,000,000 music lovers. Voodoo debuted in 1999 as a single-day event in New Orleans’ City Park. The festival quickly garnered the world’s attention after Eminem’s headlining performance in 2000, where he played his newly released album, “The Slim Shady.” Since then, “The Slim Shady” has been certified as a quadruple platinum record.
To celebrate their monumental anniversary, Voodoo has organized a raffle to award 20 lucky people. Nineteen people won a pair of three-day passes, a custom t-shirt, and a custom Koozie, while one grand prize winner received the ultimate Voodoo experience.
Voodoo is not only celebrating 20 years of music, but also its rich history in New Orleans. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, Voodoo was moved to Memphis, Tennessee for the first of its two days. The following day, Voodoo was moved back to its home in New Orleans as a tribute to relief workers who helped clean up after Katrina. The event was an invitation-only celebration for police, firefighters, members of the National Guard, the military, and many others who devoted their time to the relief efforts. The festival marked the first major musical performance since Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed the city.
After Katrina, Voodoo designed three unique areas within its landscape to showcase the different personalities of the festival and New Orleans. Le Ritual features pop culture music, Le Flambeau features music consistent with New Orleans’ style, and Le Carnival features indie sounds and burlesque circus acts. It was the debut of these three distinct areas that prompted Voodoo to expand to a three-day festival, shattering all previous attendance records with over 100,000 fans in attendance.
As Voodoo continues to grow, so does its audience. Voodoo continues to expand to include a wider variety of music. Voodoo attracts locals, as well as people from all over the globe. The festival is especially unique due to the fact it falls on Hallo-weekend. Attendees show up in some of the wildest costumes I have ever seen.
This year’s Voodoo kicks off on October 26 with headliners for all music lovers. Childish Gambino, Mumford & Sons, Arctic Monkeys, ODESZA, and Martin Garrix are only a few of the artists coming to New Orleans for the special event.
Even if you are not a music lover, it is worth attending Voodoo for the people watching. Whether you choose to arrive in costume or not, you will be astounded by the outlandish ensembles of many of the guests. Attending Voodoo is an amazing way to support New Orlean’s and celebrate its rich history!
COVER PHOTO: CLTure
About Sydney Smith
Sydney Smith is a freshman from Milwaukee. She enjoys skiing, reading, and traveling—she has even been to five continents!
Sydney Smith is a freshman from Milwaukee. She enjoys skiing, reading, and traveling—she has even been to five continents!
