Congo Square

Welcome to The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

In Louisiana's French and Spanish colonial era of the 18th century, slaves were commonly allowed Sundays off from their work. They were allowed to gather in the "Place des Negres", "Place Publique", later "Circus Square" or informally "Place Congo" at the "back of town", where the slaves would set up market, sing, dance, and play music. 

In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where slaves and free blacks gathered throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets, and the African dance and drumming celebrations that played a substantial role in the development of jazz. Local voodoo practitioners still consider Congo Square a spiritual base and gather at the Square for rituals.

In the southern corner of Armstrong Park is Congo Square, an open space where slaves and free blacks gathered throughout the 19th century for meetings, open markets, and the African dance and drumming celebrations that played a substantial role in the development of jazz. Local voodoo practitioners still consider Congo Square a spiritual base and gather at the Square for rituals.

     

New Orleans Artist Interpretation of Congo Square