This weekend, The New Orleans Healing Center, a local alternative and holistic event venue, hosted the 8th annual Anba Dlo Costumed Halloween Festival and water symposium. The free event began on Saturday, October 17th, at 10:00a.m. and continued till 12:30a.m., celebrating the spirit of life and water. This year’s theme, “The Invisible Waters of Return,” encapsulated the Haitian creole meaning of Anba Dlo, “beneath the waters,” through food, drinks, midnight voodoo ritual, interactive multi-media art, live music and more.
The morning event, “Water Walk and Learn,” led by the Greater New Orleans Water Collaborative, focused on the river surrounding New Orleans shaping the city kicked off the day long event. At 6:00 p.m. the costume parade began in the Bywater. Participants included Skinz N Bonez, NOLA Cherry Bombs, Otter and the Pony Girls, Pussyfooters, Radical Faeries, Roux La La, Muff-A-Lottas, Gang Flag Vern, Star-Steppin’ Cosmonaughties, BateBunda, and Icons for Peace.
The live music began at 6:30p.m. with Blood and Grits, and continued on two of the three stages throughout the night with performances from BateBunda, Viva Le Vox, Tank and the Bangas, Primrose Dolls, Doombalaya, Sweet Crude, The Salt Wives, and 101 Runners. On the third stage, from 7:00p.m. – 12:00a.m., there were psychic readings, acrobats, dancers, auction biddings, face painting, water altars, and costume contests.
The festival concluded with a traditional New Orleans Midnight Voodoo Ceremony as well as the unveiling of a water sculpture by Ricardo Pustanio. Festival founder, Sallie Ann Glassman describes the festival as, “a party with a purpose,” and this year, Anba Dlo successfully educated, entertained, and enlightened the city about global water issues in a unique New Orleans fashion.
Words by Sophie Schneider, Photos by Katie Sikora Photography. Full Gallery:
