New Orleans, affectionately known as the “City of the Dead,” boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and mystique. Its cemeteries, with their distinctive above-ground tombs, are not just resting places for the departed—they’re iconic emblems of the city’s unique heritage.
These burial sites have become major attractions, drawing visitors intrigued by their architectural beauty, historical significance, and the haunting stories they hold. But the cemeteries are just one layer of New Orleans’ darker side. The city’s embrace of alternative culture, vampire lore, and gothic fashion has turned it into a mecca for fans of the macabre.
The Iconic Cemeteries
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Established in 1789, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most renowned burial ground in New Orleans. Located near the French Quarter, it spans just one square block yet houses over 700 tombs. Notable figures interred here include the famed Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, whose grave attracts countless visitors seeking her legendary spiritual favor. The cemetery’s labyrinthine layout and historic significance have cemented its status as a must-visit destination.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Located in the Garden District, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was established in 1833. Its symmetrical design and ornate tombs reflect the city’s diverse cultural influences. This cemetery has been featured in numerous films and TV series, including Interview with the Vampire and The Originals, enhancing its allure to both tourists and locals. Due to preservation efforts, access may be restricted—check visiting guidelines before planning your trip.
Hidden Gems
St. Roch Cemetery
Less frequented but equally captivating, St. Roch Cemetery offers a peaceful, reverent atmosphere away from the more tourist-heavy spots. Established in 1874, it features a Gothic-style chapel adorned with ex-votos—tokens of gratitude from those who believe they were healed through Saint Roch’s intercession. This cemetery offers a powerful look into the city’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Holt Cemetery
A stark contrast to the grand tombs elsewhere, Holt Cemetery is a potter’s field where individuals are buried directly in the ground. Established in 1879, it serves as the final resting place for many of the city’s less affluent residents. Handmade grave markers crafted by families lend the space a raw, poignant beauty—a reflection of community resilience and love.
Vampires and Alternative Culture in New Orleans
New Orleans’ allure extends well beyond the grave. The city pulses with gothic energy and a deep-rooted alternative culture. The French Quarter, with its shadowy alleyways and historic architecture, has long been linked to vampire lore. Literary works like Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles helped solidify this connection, making the city a pilgrimage site for vampire fans around the world.
Today, vampire-themed establishments like the Vampire Café serve cocktails in blood bags and offer a cheeky take on New Orleans’ dark and decadent charm. The annual Vampire Ball and gothic nightlife further fuel this cultural niche, attracting locals and tourists alike who share an affection for the otherworldly.
Deadsled Funeral Company: Embodying the Gothic Subculture
Rising from the shadows of New Orleans comes Deadsled Funeral Company, a horror rock band that captures the essence of the city’s gothic spirit. Inspired by acts like My Chemical Romance, Type O Negative, HIM, Ghost, and Avenged Sevenfold, the band explores themes of romance, death, and the beauty within darkness.
Performing live as both a sonic and theatrical experience, Deadsled’s shows offer emotional depth with haunting melodies and thunderous guitar riffs. Members Wraith Vanglorious and Boneghazi give fans an intimate, fun, and lustfully dark experience that feels right at home in the city's alternative scene. Their music and visual aesthetic fit seamlessly into the city’s love affair with death, mystery, and alternative fashion.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans’ cemeteries are more than just burial grounds—they're open-air museums, sacred spaces, and portals to another time. When paired with the city’s rich vampire mythology and vibrant gothic culture, you get a one-of-a-kind destination that embraces life, death, and everything in between.
Whether you're a tourist seeking a brush with the supernatural, a vampire enthusiast, or a gothic soul in search of community, New Orleans—and bands like Deadsled Funeral Company—are waiting to welcome you to the underworld.
Further Exploration
- Shop Deadsled Funeral Company’s Gothic Merch
- Visit Vampire Café
- Learn More About Historic New Orleans Cemeteries
by Wraith Vanglorious