Second Lines: A Moving Celebration

Where the beat is irresistible

and the crowd becomes the parade.

In New Orleans, music doesn’t just stay on stage—it spills into the streets, carrying people along in a wave of rhythm and joy. Nowhere is this more alive than in a second line, the city’s most spirited and interactive celebration on the move.

What Is a Second Line?

A second line is part parade, part dance party, and all soul. The term comes from the tradition’s structure: the “first line” is the brass band and the club or group hosting the event, and the “second line” is everyone else—locals, tourists, and anyone lucky enough to stumble into the music—joining in behind. The second line moves through the streets, waving handkerchiefs, twirling parasols, and stepping to the syncopated beat.

A Tradition Rooted in History

Second lines trace their roots back to the social aid and pleasure clubs of the late 19th century, which provided community support, organized parades, and hired brass bands for special events. These parades often honored life’s milestones—weddings, anniversaries, and especially funerals—where the second line was a way to celebrate the spirit of the departed. The tradition blends African, Caribbean, and European influences, making it uniquely New Orleans.

More Than a Parade

Unlike a typical parade where the crowd stays on the sidewalk, the second line invites everyone to be the parade. It’s a living, breathing expression of community, resilience, and joy—no ticket required, no barriers allowed. Whether you’re following your neighborhood club or tagging along with strangers, the second line blurs the line between performer and spectator.

The Soundtrack of the Streets

The music is pure New Orleans brass band—trumpets, trombones, saxophones, tubas, and snare drums pounding out rhythms that make it impossible to stand still. The playlist is a mix of jazz standards, funk grooves, and R&B hits, often stretching into joyous improvisations that keep the crowd moving for hours.

Where to Catch One

Second lines happen year-round, often on Sundays, with routes announced by the hosting clubs. You’ll see groups like the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association, the Lady Buckjumpers, and the Treme Sidewalk Steppers carrying the tradition forward. For the uninitiated, a good starting point is simply following the sound of the brass.

Why We Love It

Second lines aren’t just a spectacle—they’re an invitation. They remind us that celebration doesn’t have to be confined to a stage or a season. In New Orleans, life itself is a reason to dance down the block with a hundred of your newest friends.