Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Tour of Metairie Cemetery

Enter the former Metairie Race Course, an earthly venue for the “quick,” now elegantly transformed into a glorious “City of the Dead” - where no one is in a hurry. Architecture and archeology seem to converge in this hallowed landscape of imposing society tombs and soaring mausolea. Experience an angelic locale filled with obelisks and pyramids, heroes and rogues, symbols and secrets. You will walk past the final resting places of over 50 kings and queens … of Carnival, that is. New Orleans cemeteries are outdoor museums where memorial art is celebrated with as much passion as it is neglected. “Perpetual Care” assures that most family tombs are restored and renewed with regularity. Others face abandonment and neglect, lingering in the irony of their own death throes. But, have no fear. Soldiers and saints will escort us, revealing the rich military history and religious culture of New Orleans. We will explore the fascinating and unique memorials honoring many who struggled in the face of earthly battles as well as those who achieved spiritual victories, arousing the “better angels of our nature.” Join New Orleans writer and photographer Kevin J. Bozant on this hauntingly beautiful journey. He knows where the bodies are buried.

MORE INFO / BUY NOW