Diaspora and Memory - New Orleans International Vodou Day Symposium

Name: Diaspora and Memory - New Orleans International Vodou Day Symposium
Start: 2026-05-23T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-05-23T16:00:00-05:00
Location: 1 Drexel Drive 1 Drexel Drive New Orleans United States

Schedule

Sat May 23 2026 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

1 Drexel Drive 1 Drexel Drive New Orleans United States | New Orleans, LA

Join us for an engaging symposium exploring the profound wisdom, living traditions, and global influence of African Traditional Religions and their expressions across the African Diaspora. Presented in partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana’s Department of African American and Diaspora Studies, this full-day gathering brings together scholars, practitioners, and cultural leaders to share insights into the history, spiritual practices, and contemporary relevance of these sacred traditions.
Through presentations and dialogue, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from respected voices working at the intersection of spirituality, culture, scholarship, and community. The symposium offers a space for deeper understanding of the traditions that continue to shape healing, identity, and cultural resilience across the world.
See event details for the list of international speakers.
In addition to the symposium, attendees are invited to explore the Afro-Ecology Exhibit and a curated Vodou art exhibition, highlighting the vibrant artistic expressions, cultural memory, and ecological wisdom rooted in New Orleans’ spiritual heritage. Families can also take part in a special youth program, offering engaging and age-appropriate activities designed to introduce younger audiences to the richness of African and diasporic cultures.
More details will be announced soon.
Please be sure to also join us for the Sunday May 24th at 10am for the Sacred Processional through historic sites in the city, culminating in Congo Square for the Traditional Vodou Ceremony.
Please use this link to register: HERE