If you’ve spent any time in New Orleans, you’ve likely heard the phrase “second line” – maybe referring to a wedding celebration, a Sunday afternoon parade, or even as a verb (“We second lined all the way home!”). But to truly understand this uniquely New Orleans tradition is to understand the heart of the city itself.
The Origins: More Than Just a Parade
Second lines grew from the tradition of jazz funerals, where mourners would follow behind the family of the deceased (the “first line”) and the brass band. After the burial, when the band would shift from dirges to upbeat music, the “second line” of mourners would transform their grief into celebration of life, dancing and twirling parasols in what we now recognize as the distinctive second line style.
But the deeper roots lie in the mutual aid societies and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs of the late 1800s. In a time when insurance and social services were often denied to Black New Orleanians, these organizations provided crucial support to their members – helping with medical bills, funeral costs, and other emergencies. The parade tradition grew from their annual celebrations and public demonstrations of community strength.
The Modern Second Line
Today’s second lines happen nearly every Sunday from late August through June, primarily in neighborhoods like Treme, Central City, and the 7th Ward. Each parade is hosted by a different Social Aid & Pleasure Club, whose members spend all year preparing their elaborate outfits and saving dues to pay for the bands and permits.
The parades typically start around 1 PM and last for about 4 hours, winding through neighborhoods with several designated stops at bars or community gathering spots. The club members, dressed in their finest suits, dresses, and matching accessories, lead the parade along with brass bands that keep the crowd moving with New Orleans classics and contemporary hits.
How to Participate (Respectfully)
For transplants and visitors, participating in a second line is one of the most direct ways to experience New Orleans culture – but it comes with responsibilities:
- Follow the parade route as part of the second line (never try to join the first line of club members)
- Bring cash to support vendors and tip the bands
- Stay hydrated (especially in summer) and wear comfortable shoes
- Be respectful of the neighborhoods you’re passing through
- Ask before taking photos of club members
- Listen to police and parade marshals
Finding Second Lines
The most reliable way to find weekly second line schedules is through WWOZ’s “Takin’ It to the Streets” calendar, updated every Wednesday. Some of the biggest annual second lines include:
- Prince of Wales on Mardi Gras morning
- Original Big 7 in May
- Perfect Gentlemen on Father’s Day
The Bigger Picture
Understanding second line culture means understanding that these aren’t just parades – they’re demonstrations of community solidarity, celebrations of life, and assertions of cultural pride. When you join a second line, you’re not just watching New Orleans culture – you’re participating in it.
The tradition continues to evolve while maintaining its core purpose: bringing people together in celebration. Whether it’s a traditional Sunday parade or a jazz funeral, the second line remains one of New Orleans’ most vibrant and meaningful cultural practices.
Creating Your Own Second Line
One of the beautiful things about New Orleans culture is how welcoming it is – and second lines are no exception. While Sunday second lines are the domain of Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, you can organize your own second line to celebrate life’s big moments:
- Weddings: Perhaps the most common personal second lines, where newlyweds lead their guests through the French Quarter or other neighborhoods
- Birthdays: Especially popular for milestone birthdays
- Graduations: A joyful way to mark academic achievements
- Business openings: Many new businesses announce their arrival with a second line
- Family reunions: Bringing multiple generations together in true New Orleans style
To organize your own second line, you’ll need:
- A brass band (book well in advance – popular bands are often reserved months ahead)
- A parade permit from the city
- A planned route (typically 15-30 minutes for personal celebrations)
- Optional but fun: Parasols, handkerchiefs, or custom throws for your guests
Remember that while personal second lines are a wonderful way to celebrate, they should always be conducted with respect for the tradition’s deep cultural roots. Whether it’s a traditional Sunday parade, a wedding second line in the French Quarter, or a jazz funeral, the second line remains one of New Orleans’ most vibrant and meaningful cultural practices.
Looking Forward
As New Orleans faces challenges from gentrification to climate change, Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs continue their tradition of community support and cultural preservation. The second line tradition reminds us that in New Orleans, culture isn’t something that happens on a stage or behind velvet ropes – it happens in the streets, created by and for the community.
This post is part of our “Why We…” series, exploring the traditions that make New Orleans unique. Check back weekly for new insights into the customs and culture of the Crescent City.
