St. John's Eve

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New Orleans' exudes all sorts of magic, it's a fact. And yet, the most intriguing forms of the mystical seem to be more comfortably expressed through commodification and satire. Voodoo culture, though plastered onto t-shirts and namesaked by cocktails around town, in its authentic form remains one of the city's most underground and misunderstood cultures. 

Tonight, on the holiest day of the Voodoo religion, St. John's Eve, the International House Hotel brings its rituals to light. Experience the hidden secrets of a 150 year old Summer Solstice ceremony started by the one and only, Marie Laveau. 

Head washings in the lobby, drumming, spiritual chalk drawing, a papier-mâché altar, and chanting out to loa by renowned Voodoo priestess, Sallie Ann Glassman. You, all in white. 

Twenty-one guests will be treated to International House's head bartender (aka Spirit Handler) Alan Walter's hand-made, limited edition bottled elixirs of John's Way. A mixture of seven waters, Aguardiente (firewater), Genapi, Kummel, foraged Spanish Moss, Jasmine, Sweet Olive, and other local herbs—this cocktail promises to warm your belly with the spirits of Voodoo, Catholicism, Native American spirituality, and Masonic mystery. Each is $100, and can be purchased by emailing ninman@ihhotel.com. 

6 pm.  RSVP at ihhotel.com. Come with offerings for Marie (blue and white candles or flowers, hair ribbons, brushes, barrettes, or Creole foods will do), and dressed in all white.