The New Orleans Healing Center and La Source Ancienne Ounfo invite you to experience the vibrant Haitian tradition of Fet Gede, the Haitian Day of the Dead. Fet Gede (Pronounced: Fet Gehdeh) is the festival for the Gede, a family of Haitian spirits who are the patrons of the Dead.
For 45 years, we have gathered to remember that our Ancestors are not gone; their spirits remain alive and present, continuing to love and guide us. By honoring them, we embrace the meaning of our own lives and open space for generations yet to come.
This is a FREE event and open to the public!
Event Details
What: Day of the Dead/Fet Gede Celebration
When: Saturday, November 1st, 2024, 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, corner of St Roch and St. Claude.
A Haitian Tradition: Celebrating the Gede
The month of November is dedicated to the Gede. They are famously known as tricksters who stand at the crossroads of life and death. The Gede are comically grotesque equalizers who patronize death, sex, and regeneration, but they are also great healers in life-or-death situations and patrons of young children.
To get into the spirit of the ceremony, attendees are encouraged to wear white with a purple head scarf, or purple and black, which are the Gede’s colors
What You Can Experience
See unique altars for the Dead/Ancestors (Le Mo') created by various local artists. Guests are invited to bring photos of your Dead or remembrances for the main Ancestors altar located on the main stage.
Shop for art, crafts, and unique goods in our Art Market, and enjoy delicious food options.
Happy Hour: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Enjoy shots of Barbancourt Haitian rum from our by-donation bar.
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Join us in the Grand Hall for the annual ceremony to invoke the Gede.
10 pm – 10:30 pm. Procession to feed the Dead, say the praise names of the Beloved Dead, pass flame and say prayers from numerous traditions for the Dead.
Offerings: Please feel free to bring offerings for the Gede or your Ancestors. Gede likes rum, cigars, sunglasses with one lens, top hats, flat breads, peppers, goat cheese, goat stew, and more!
Come celebrate your Ancestors and experience the New Orleans Healing Center decked for the occasion!
Event Venue
2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117-8351, United States
