Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History

In medieval allegory, “la danse macabre,” or the dance of death, is a ritualized march to the grave—a sober reminder of life’s finality cloaked in wicked mirth. In a similar spirit, The Historic New Orleans Collection’s new Halloween-themed tours of its Louisiana History Galleries will lead visitors on a merry tromp down some of the creepier backroads of New Orleans lore. From the unwholesome subject of executions in French Louisiana to the gritty logistics of cemetery relocation, the tour is a toast to the authentically spooky. Beware, the setting is reality: mosquitos, serial killers, colonialism, and unlawful assembly are just some of the topics likely to produce a bedlam of fright, insights, and delights. This tour is not intended for children. Tuesday–Sunday at 11 am. $5 or free for THNOC members. 533 Royal Street. hnoc.org.