On Saturday, October 20, the New Orleans Healing Center and New Orleans Community Outreach program (NOCO) will sponsor the fifth annual Anba Dlo – a unique, interactive Halloween festival and parade commemorating the city’s multicultural and artistic traditions and heritage. Pronounced “Ahnbah Dlo” (Haitian Kreyol for “Beneath the Waters”), the event will include a costume parade, multimedia interactive installations, DJ dance area, and three live music stages featuring performances from 11 bands including Papa Mali, George Porter Jr., John Mooney and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (among others).

Billed as “a party with a purpose,” the Anba Dlo Halloween Festival and Parade will usher in the start of the Halloween season in true New Orleans style — with music, food, and the arts. General admission tickets for the event, which can be purchased in advance for $20 ($25 at the door), will furnish guests with a completely cosmopolitan New Orleans Halloween extravaganza rife with Mardi Gras Indians, acrobatics, psychic readings, drum circles, and a full-fledged Crescent City costume contest.

For the nominal fee of $45, guests who choose to indulge in the Siren VIP Lounge will also be treated to a one-of-a-kind party featuring underwater-themed drinks, light food fare provided by Domenica and Chef Craig Nero as well as sample massages from The Affordable Healing Arts.

Beginning at noon with localized panels and lectures, the event will continue with art exhibits and a costume parade as well as the Anba Dlo live music and dance party starting at 7 p.m. Proceeds from Anba Dlo will help further NOCA’s mission of supplying financially at-risk New Orleans residents with the services of the New Orleans Healing Center, which include community health and healing programs as well as holistic seminar and lecture series.

The New Orleans Healing Center is located at 2372 St. Claude Ave. For more information on the organization and event, visit the NOCA website or The New Orleans Healing Center website.