Second Line Parade

Lore & Background

The second line has its origins in traditional West African circle or ring dances. The second line tradition was brought to New Orleans by enslaved Africans, where it became a ritual for African Americans, especially in various processions, including funerals. Some scholars believe that the West African ring featured children drumming with adults dancing that in turn, forced the ring to straighten into a line. Others note the similarity of the steps – exaggerated, stylistic strutting – to dances performed in Congo Square by the enslaved given the day off on Sundays. These dances were officially banned for a time because they were deemed threatening to the white inhabitants of the city, and their resurgence in the second line culture suggests a similar celebration of individual freedom. The second line tradition is a blending of African ritual dancing with European-styled military bands. The movement of street dancers in the second line gathered force in the late 19th century as it joined the linear procession of military bands, rooted in French and Spanish colonial traditions. By the time jazz flowered, the funerals showed the coming together of the ring and the line, the African ancestral circle dancing and the linear progression of the brass bands’ marching music. An article from New Orleans states that the history of second line traditions in New Orleans' Black neighborhoods began during the era of enslavement. Enslaved and free Black people began second lines as neighborhood celebrations. "The neighborhood organizations offered social aid to freed slaves, such as loans and insurance, and used the second-lines as a form of advertising. Second lines were also used to honor members who died in their community, which launched the idea of second lines at funerals. Often, Mardi Gras Indians were and still are included in the procession." African and African-American traditions continued throughout the "Code Noir" and Jim Crow eras in New Orleans. African-Americans formed Benevolent Societies and "Social, Aid & Pleasure Clubs" because white insurance companies often refused to cover free people of color and/or the formerly enslaved. SAPCs assisted members through illness and supported families with burial costs for deceased members. This is a carry-over from African traditions that believed in celebrating the member's spirit leaving the body to return to the an

In Their Own Story

The final buzzer echoed through the arena, sealing a dramatic overtime victory. Before the players could even reach the bench, the familiar, brassy wail of 'When the Saints Go Marching In' cut through the crowd's roar. It wasn't just a recording; it was the sound of a local brass band, invited by fans to take the floor. Umbrellas popped open in the lower bowl, and handkerchiefs waved like sea foam against the green and gold jerseys. For a moment, the hardwood court dissolved into a street parade, the boundary between spectator and player vanishing as the rhythm took over, reminding everyone that in New Orleans, every win is a celebration of survival.

Reader's Guide

Second line parades are part of the cultural heritage of New Orleans. The locally best known second line parades are held by clubs and benevolent organizations. Some have long histories; the oldest such organization still holding regular parades is the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association, founded in 1884. During the "second line season", lasting most of the year with breaks for holidays (including Mardi Gras) and the hottest part of summer, there are second line parades most Sundays. Longer parades often make stops, commonly at bars, where refreshments have been arranged for members and those following the parade for fun can purchase something. There are often vendors selling soft drinks, beer, and street food, including barbecue and yaka mein. Additional second lines, large or small, may be held for any event which people think merits hiring a parading band for such a style of celebration, including weddings and opening of businesses. The historic predominantly African-American neighborhoods of Tremé and Central City are most strongly associated with the traditions, though second lines can often be seen in the Seventh Ward, Uptown, Marigny, Ninth Ward, Mid-City, and at least on occasion in most of the older neighborhoods of the city. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival holds second lines at the Fair Grounds each day of the festival to give visitors a taste of this New Orleans tradition.

Did You Know?

• A second line parade was featured in the 1973 James Bond film Live and Let Die.
• The opening scene in the pilot episode, as well as the season one finale of the HBO series Tremé featured a second line parade.
• The Black Men of Labor held the first SAPC second line parade in October 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.
• Violence has marred some parades, including the May 12, 2013 Mother's Day Parade shooting where 19 were wounded and one was trampled, and on November 17, 2024, two people were killed and 11 others were injured in two sep
• The second line – the magazine of the New Orleans jazz club, started in 1950 – took its name from the second lining tradition.