Summary
Overview of International House Hotel
Tucked away in a historic Beaux-Arts building dating back to 1906, International House Hotel is an unexpected place to experience the ritual-based culture New Orleans is known for. Standing in the Central Business District, two blocks from the French Quarter, the boutique hotel is owned by Sean Cummings, who provides space for communities to gather while honoring the rituals locals have long celebrated. As a devoted supporter of artists and change-makers, Cummings’ hotel serves as a cultural center that hosts seven quintessentially New Orleans rituals every year. These local celebrations help guests gain insight into the city’s rich culture, from Carnival to St. Joseph’s Day to St. John’s Eve, as the lobby is transformed with Creole art, music, and altars paying homage to saints and spirits.
Experience at Loa Bar
The heart of the rituals happens left of the lobby at Loa Bar, a craft cocktail venue that opened in 1998. A whimsical interior designed by LM Pagano, influenced by the global cultures that formed the city, offers a spiritual ambiance complete with candlelight. “At its core, Loa Bar is creating a space for the community to come in that’s not work, it’s not home. It’s that central place where the community can mingle with others, enhancing a sense of understanding and fostering better connections among individuals,” said Abigail Gullo, Loa Bar’s creative director and resident cocktail genius.
Significance of Voodoo Rituals
Guests will find Voodoo rituals taking place in the lobby of International House and Loa Bar during holidays throughout the year. The events are genuine cultural celebrations rather than mere tourist attractions. St. John’s Eve on June 22 is hosted by Haitian-ordained Voodoo priestess Sallie Ann Glassman, who describes Voodoo as “a song, a dance, a way of experiencing life and a philosophy.” It formed out of the complexities of cultural interactions during the slave trade, bringing together various influences into a rich cultural tapestry.
Glassman emphasizes that Voodoo is “the resource that allowed people to endure slavery and turn disempowerment into power,” viewing its ceremonies as openings to connect with both visible and invisible realms. As she articulates, “Culture can be a curative and a salve in troubled times for people who are suffering; Voodoo is essential to New Orleans culture.”
Fall Celebrations and Cocktails
The connection between Catholic, Haitian Voodoo, Native American, and Mexican cultures in New Orleans creates a unique celebration atmosphere for All Hallow’s Eve (Oct. 31), All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and All Souls Day (Nov. 2). The lobby is adorned with countless candles, marigolds, and cockscombs, alongside a lavish altar. Gullo invites guests to honor their deceased loved ones by displaying photographs, fostering reflection and reverence.
Loa Bar also plays host to these fall festivities, offering a curated selection of cocktails inspired by the cultures tied to the holidays. Some seasonal offerings include frozen Mexican hot chocolate, a smoky mezcal with cinnamon and chili, and a fragrant cocktail, Cóctel de Muerto, which combines anise, orange, and egg white with skull and crossbones artfully etched in foam. Another standout, the Reposado in Pace, features mezcal or reposado tequila blended with homemade pecan milk, served in a vintage crystal glass garnished with a decorative floral wreath. This drink’s ashen hue pays homage to the tradition of whitewashing tombs in New Orleans.
In summary, the intentional cocktails and the rich heritage of Loa Bar reflect the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Abigail Gullo’s passion for hospitality and commitment to honoring her roots are evident in her work. “We love tradition here. We love ritual. This bar is a center for learning about and celebrating the unique culture of New Orleans,” she shares.
As the season invites a sense of reflection, embracing cultural rituals can lead us toward a more mindful existence. New Orleans stands out as a remarkable destination to explore the depth of ancestry. The city’s culture and history, while complex, offer beauty and richness, echoing Gullo’s sentiment, “New Orleans is a place where people were not always brought here willingly, but they made something beautiful here, celebrating life every single day.”
Whether you gather for a wonderful cocktail with friends or honor your lost loved ones through meaningful rituals, it is this essence of tradition and culture that makes this time of year truly special.
