Was Marie Laveau a Voodoo Queen? (Legend vs. Reality) 

Other New Orleans Virtual Tours - ru-vid.com/group/PLpNEdLF6RWV3oDPK7SD9GOttlhvaGBsh2. If you enjoyed the tour, please consider 💰 leaving Robi and Sandy a Virtual Tip at venmo.com/Robbie-Gilmore or www.paypal.com/paypalme/robbiegilmore or www.buymeacoffee.com/robbiegilmore. Tips for Sany venmo.com/SHESTER47 or www.paypal.com/paypalme/nolajinx. Add "Laveau" as a note and they will split the tips. Read our full post on Marie Laveau freetoursbyfoot.com/marie-laveau-voodoo-queen-of-new-orleans/. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and click the bell 🔔 notification so you are alerted as we create new ones. ru-vid.com freetoursbyfoot.com/new-orleans-tours/walking-tours/voodoo-tour/

I love how sandi doesn’t sugar coat history. I really appreciate that.

About time y'all finally put Sandy in a video. She's a legendary New Orleans tour guide, an early mentor of mine, and an amazing artist.

I get the good feeling that Marie was simply an introverted woman of color who maybe was raised in the Voodoo traditions. Rumors tend to spread about introverted people. From my understanding, this is how a lot of urban legends begin. A misunderstood female introvert who became a local pariah.

i absolutely love Robi, he has added so much to this already wonderful channel! I hope Sandy is going to be a regular too, love her sarcastic sense of humor! Makes me want to revisit New Orleans..so much I didn't know. Thank you!!

I lived at 1022 for years. I actually hung the address tiles you see on the house. Anne Cusomano owned that property for years. It's the only property I've I've in that I never seen or felt any spirit. I loved this video

From what I read Madame Marie Laveau was the daughter of Charles Laveau, a European American of French origin and a memeber Louisiana Creole ethnic group. Marie's mother Marguerite D' Arcantrel was a Free Colored Woman of African, French European, and Choctaw Native American ancestry.

I’m really impressed with the knowledge and how comfortable you both seem in front of the camera. Where has Sandy been hiding? Lol, my partner and I are loving her! Of course we are getting a picture with Robi when we get to New Orleans! We were going to come to town in December but due to my health issues(having both hips replaced) we are putting off any trips for a year. All you guys have been such a joy to me as I navigate this healthcare journey, thank you, somehow Robi, Andrew and Sandy have transitioned from tour guide to dear friends.

My sister and I took Sandy's Voodoo tour when we were in New Orleans this past April (2021) and it was incredible! I would highly recommend going on her tour, if you liked this video and want to learn more about Voodoo.

We need more videos from these two together. They're so much fun to watch together!

THANK YOU for being respectful of the cemetery and the historic tombs within and for educating the public of the sanctity of these properties!

I love the enegy of Robi so much. Seems like such a kind-hearted sweetie! & Sandi's passion and knowledge is awe inspiring. Watching both of them made my heart flutter with joy

Love theses! I’m visiting Nola for the first time in a week! Feel so connected with Nola even though I’ve never been. My ancestors are definitely calling me. I practice a little hoodoo.

Watching this again in 2023 through tears. I was born in Mobile, Alabama but have lived off and on in NOLA my whole life. I miss it so much. Watching the dusk fall over Bayou St. John twisted something inside my heart. I love you guys. Keep being wonderful. ⚜️

I so appreciate the way you all break stereotypes and crush myths. You three are the triumvirate of intellectual awesomeness.

I lived in New Orleans for 41 years, and this video was very enlightening. It cleared up a lot of my misconceptions perpetuated by tour guides for the sake of making money. I actually performed several wedding ceremonies at her supposed tomb.

i love watching Robi lose it everytime Sandy says something funny. Joy.

You two are amazing together! Met Robi in person during a vodou tour with him and he’s incredibly animated and memorable. Would love to take a tour with sandi in person.

Love you guys! I’ve been waiting on a lesson like this! My wife and I were in New Orleans this past weekend, I wanted to take Robi’s tour, but my wife doesn’t like to get up early smh. We’ll be back in July for my birthday, I will definitely be taking your tour.

Thank you Sandy for your keen ability to critically assess historic information, and put into useful perspective. You are incredible with understanding people, hierarchy societies.

I could listen to Sandy speak all day... Such a lovely accent!! Y'all know if Lafayette Cemetery is still closed? It's been closed "for repairs" for at least a year now...

I was in New Orleans a couple weeks ago and took a random carriage tour just to get off my feet. We passed by Louis Armstrong park and saw Robi giving a tour. I was like omg that's him I watch his videos haha. I def want a tour by you guys when I go back down there

I loved these two and the tour. 🖤

I’m 2 videos in and now I gotta binge watch them all!!! New Orleans is my fav city and I can’t wait to come back and do both Robi and Sandy’s tours 😊 Y’all are great, I’ve learned so much in such a short time.

Hearing about the Orisha's and Voudou touched my heart ❤ ...you guys are really educating the public and I luv u guys for it.

I love how close you all seem, the family feel brings me back to this channel. It feels like I can trust you all, I have studied the Christian faith for years and your videos have opened my eyes and heart to respecting and learning about everyones religion. Love your videos so much, thanks for breaking the stereotypes.

As a native of New Orleans and a current tour guide, I loved this video and loved how they both learned something from one another ❤️⚜️

Y'all win youtube. 🐓 (Can I just say omg the technical talent, too)

Such a fun and informative video. Love Robi and Sandy together!

I've been waiting for a video by NOLA natives to explain and breakdown the facts and fiction about Marie. She's such a mystery and legend. Thank you for this!⚜🖤

Love listening to Sandy speak on NOLA history! Love her passion, honesty, and thorough stories.

Great job guys!!!! I’m so happy to see you all educating these folk about the spirits.

I was born and raised in Nola. Growing up, my family didn’t scare us with stories of the boogeyman. They told us Marie laveau stories

I'm so glad I found this channel. I've been trying to figure out and learn about my family and ancestors and where to start and what I remember being taught as a little girl back when my grandpa would tell me about the symbols, instruments and figures he had. Following lockdown due to the pandemic and over the past couple years, I chose to stop staying in contact with family especially after losing three of my grandparents. So as times gone by and as I'm understanding more about my ethnic background, Im overjoyed when I find creators who have educational videos . I was Mormon by choice up until age...24. I was introduced to paganism which served as a starting point to re learning about spirituality and felt a pull towards learning about Hoodoo and Voodoo. So many things I came across are the same as the things my grandfather taught me and things that side of the family did that I never quite understood. I've slowly been teaching myself over the past couple years. So all in all, I simply mean to say thank you for helping me understanding a few things better and make connections to things I remember from my childhood (mostly in the A Day In The Life vid) I subscribed and will make a note to revisit this channel tomorrow when I'm not feeling quite so off. With Love, Ray

I really enjoyed this honest and open view of what was known (or rumored ) about Marie Laveau. To me she was a woman a mother and a daughter . Where ever she was laid to rest ,I hope she is resting peacefully . My thanks to our guides for educating us on this woman's life :)

I really love watching videos with Robi. He has the most wonderful energy! I could listen to these two forever. Sandy does an incredible job as well! What a great team they make. This is so informative, and makes me look forward to my June trip even more! Thank you so much!✨

Fascinating. I’m watching this from Cotonou, Benin, Africa 🇧🇯 where VooDoo originated in Ouidah.

You 2 need to start a travel channel. I love your interaction & historical background info. I'd love to see more!

I think this is one of my favorite tours done by Free Tours By Foot (NOLA). Loved it, learned even more than I thought I already knew & I look forward to learning more. Love the blending of Robi's knowledge of Voodou & Sandy's knowledge of history. Well done!

You all are just wonderful...These videos gets more exciting and interesting each time...💞💞💞💞💞💞....I watch them faithfully, like a tv show...💞💞💞💞

This was amazing! It was so entertaining and very informative!

Robi, Sandy and Andrew you three are so amazing. I love how you put myths to bed.. I have read books on her that I always wanted to know the truth. Thank you for that. I am from Texas but I love Louisiana and the wonderful things in New Orleans.. I lived here 21 years ago and recently moved back.. Again, many thanks to you'll. I enjoy you'll so much. Stay blessed.

High Priest Robi is so awesome!! I loved his Voodoo tour. I actually walked past this location and lots of hair ties were left on the gate as Marie LaVeau was also a hairdresser

I was born and raised in New Orleans-- miss my home desperately. Thank you both soooo much!!!

More videos with Sandy and Robi please, they have fantastic chemistry!

This is one of the best videos that has been done by your team!! I love it! Thanks for such factual information!!

Another great tour. I love the fact that Sandy's an Artist. Keep talking..what kind of Art? Your #1 fan in Oregon.

Best tours EVER!!! I love all your videos I think it's cool that you know each other from childhood and work together.

Love this channel! The information/historical topics of Vodou & Marie Laveau are exceptional! Love You Robi!! Asè Ayibobo!!

I would love to do a tour with the gentleman in the video. His spirit seems so pleasant and genuine. Very nice guy. I cannot wait until I visit New Orleans. I love learning about their history! Sandy seems sweet also❤

I love this video. I need to see more of you two and Andrew. The 3 of you need to do a tour together. All the vodon spots, all the haunted history, and all the really popular homes.

Very informative. I’m from New Orleans and I’m certain I know Sandy from somewhere, but I can’t think where we met. It’ll come to me eventually. Great job y’all.

I love your tours! 😄 I can't wait to visit New Orleans again and take a tour in person.

The knowledge you guys have is so impressive ! This is the best informational video I have seen on Marie

My husband and I have plans to come to New Orleans for the first time. I absolutely love how you two play off of each other and love to see more videos with both Sandy and Robi together.

Loved the video and info! I hope to meet you both going to N'awlins!

Great storytelling! I so appreciate your passion and knowledge I mean very few people could do this as well as you all. If I was asked to talk about my area I would struggle to piece together two sentences! Keep it up guys! Thank you Robi, Sandy, Andrew and James

We HAVE to take a tour with 1 or both of you on our next visit!! We just came home yesterday from our first trip there & are planning a future longer 2nd trip already! Absolutely loved it. We appreciate all your posted content

Thank you Robi and Sandy :) for the very informative and fun video! :)

Thank you both, looking forward to our girl's trip to New Orleans in December.

Marie Laveau's first husband, Jacques Paris died in 1823. He also was known by his middle name, Santiago or St. Yago as that name was occasionally documented as. His other name Santiago may be a Spanish translation of his French middle name. Perhaps, he may have been half or part Hispanic and that was why his middle name was Santiago.

You two are great together. Very informative.

So much going on, I couldn't make it on a proper voodoo tour but I love having reasons to come back!!!

I'm new to your channel and love all the stuff you shared about both the history of the city and Marie Leaveau

Loved this episode very interesting.

Did you guys ever think about like interviewing or contacting Marie’s family? And seeing what they know about her? Passed down thru family ?

When I was there back in 1997, one of the tour guides mentioned that the local Police Department was reportedly terrified of her and what she could do to them. She also used to preside or officiate (take your pick) over the Saturday night dances of the slaves in the Place Congo (now Congo Square in the Louis Armstrong Park) at the end of Orleans Street just north of Rampart Street. At around 6 p.m. each Saturday night, the white slave owners allowed their black slaves to enjoy themselves at the "Dance in Place Congo." There is a symphonic poem of the same name composed by Henry Gilbert in 1908 which depicts many of the dances including the "Bamboula" and other Cakewalks popular at the time. The festivities would reach fever pitch and then a bell or chime would be struck at 9:00 p.m. calling the slaves back to their quarters. The dramatic music at the end depicts the rage of the slaves at having their fun stopped so abruptly as they run away home. If you can find a recording of it, it is well worth hearing.

This was So Entertaining! Robi, when you almost lost it when Sandy said “he kicks it” I lost it! I enjoyed the whole thing including the bloopers! 😆

I'm going this week, I need to book a tour. Y'all are amazing.

I was born in New Orleans. I had very famous parents and would love to ask you to do a little remembering about them. They were very loved in New Orleans. Lorraine and Marcel Boyer. The Boyer s French pastry shop. On benefit street. We lost everything with hurricane Betsy. Due to that I live in Spain. Thank you so much if this is possible.

I am so glad I found your page! I have wanted to visit New Orleans and Louisiana in general for so long! Your videos (I'm slowly working through all of them lol) have solidified my want/need to visit! My ancestors were Acadians and African Americans from the area so I have been drawn there for so long! I'd love to speak with Robi as well (former Santeria here). I can't wait to finally visit!

Very enjoyable. I attended a convention there during August. Went on evening walking tours. I was sure I was going to sweat to death. I couldn't carry enough bittles of water. I'm sure the convention cost less because it was held in August. My daughter couldn't believe it when she discovered our hotel was at the corner of Canal and Bourbon. May be the only time she thought I must be an important person to stay at that hotel.

Loved your explanation. Thank you. Discretion is the word you were looking for, but we love the one you used.

I like the way this video was done! 🧡💜

Your video tours are AMAZING!

i learn so much from your tours... thank you! Love you Roby, Sandy, and Andrew!

When I went to new orleans in 2018, i was told by a guide that you can no longer mark on the tomb, at the time it was being worked on and painted

I'm mesmerized by that windowsill and it's collection of objects. I have odd obsessions with tiny trinket collections. Great video!!! You both relate to eachother so nicely and it made the info more enriched. Thank you. It would be awesome if you both could do a historical video on Comte de St. Germain.

Thanks for these tours 🖤🖤🖤

Thank you and many blessings to you both. I will be back there in September. I will definitely look you up when I am there .

I greatly appreciate you all taking the time to take us on this journey. Very informative!

I really enjoyed this video. One point that would be interesting to know is whether the particular tomb that was so frequently vandalized and where people often burned candles is really the tomb of the original Marie Laveau or that of her daughter (also known as Marie Laveau). Everything I have read online and also in books about New Orleans indicates it is actually the tomb of the daughter who is said to have practiced Voodoo too. However, I have also read that there are actually two Laveau tombs in St. Louis No. 1 cemetery, so it would be interesting to know more about the other Laveau tomb and whether there is any possibility of it being the tomb of the original Marie Laveau. Also, I don't find any contradiction in a practitioner of voodoo being baptised or buried in a Roman Catholic church or cemetery for that time period. Just as enslaved peoples from West Africa who went to Spanish colonies in the New World disguised the spirits of their native religion with Spanish Catholicism (especially using representations of the saints) so that they could continue their religious practices, a religious practice known to this day as Santeria throughout Latin America, those peoples enslaved by the French did the same thing by infusing their native religion with French Catholicism to continue a religious practice still known and practiced as Voodoo to this day in former French colonies in the New World. Isn't Voodoo essentially the same as Santeria, one being practiced in former French colonies and the other in former Spanish colonies? I'm certainly no expert, but I have spent a lot of time in these places and always want to learn more. Thank you for a fascinating video.

This was so informative and intriguing. I was captivated with both energies . Kept me very engaged ! I appreciated this !

Yas finally! I was waiting for more voodoo videos!!! Thank you guys

I love your channel and the history you share with us. I never thought writing on someone's tomb was an appropriate thing to do. Glad I never did, but I'll leave her some tobacco. I'm so happy to be moving back home next week to New Orleans.

Thanks for sharing your research and history of this woman. Plus also clarifying how people of color were perceived back then, including how catholic and voodoo religions worship. I just heard about this woman by my sister-in-law who wanted to go visit her grave, etc. so I have been doing research, then came across your informative video! Thank you for sharing this. P.S. I have a small tip (single mama) for you both who are so awesome at what you do!

So much knowledge that the regular tourist doesn't get to know about. Thank you.

I enjoyed this. Thanks for all the information. Love the bloopers

I'm late but so glad I found y'all videos such great information and great tour guides NO is definitely on my bucket lists of places to visit I hope these wonderful guides are still there I will request them!!!😍

This is so good! Thank you both! Love both of the perspectives! Learned so much.

The presentation of history as just that is excellent. Too often today we see everything abused to represent a viewpoint, so this was well done.

Robi! Im picking up what you puttin down my G 💯 look forward to doin tour with you brother. Im from Baton Rouge got family in the city. We gone lock in soon!

This video popped up in my feed. This was educational and entertaining.

Heeey ! My name is Sandy & I'm watching this😁

I love you guys! I enjoy watching these tours and hope to be able to take a tour in person some day. New Orleans is on my list of future destinations. Thanks for all that you do!

I enjoyed this video and the history. I love new orleans and want to learn everything I can about the city.

Great video! You both have a fantastic way to explain things!

That was the most interesting ,informative and fun explanation of Marie Laveau I've ever heard. I have read or heard so many tales of who she was ,what she was and what I know is she was a woman just like me . After that she became legendary for many reasons true or false as they may be. Now I hope she is at peace and I wish her well .

I love the historical accuracy from both robi and sandi about mary laveau and voodoo

love this! you are all so fun to watch and listen to and learn from...thanks for the great videos! 💙💙💙 looking forward to the next one!