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The New Orleans Second Line

Royal Tours New Orleans • June 14, 2018

The New Orleans Second Line

New Orleans is a city filled with traditions, most of them centered on some excuse to have fun. Few are more fun than the Second Line. And, just as we don’t need much of an excuse to drop everything for a little fun, we don’t need much of an excuse to join a Second Line. So, join us for our tribute to the Second Line…

The Second Line is a tradition in New Orleans that reaches back into the early 19th Century with the emergence of the brass bands in New Orleans. As the brass bands would parade down the street performing their song of the day, others would naturally fall in behind to join along. It became impossible to resist dancing along and mimicking the energy and movements of the players and Grand Marshall.

To learn more about the exciting and vibrant French Quarter and New Orleans, join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter.

Jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton once commented to Alan Lomax, “Those parades were really tremendous things, the drums would start off, the trumpets and trombones rolling into something like ‘Stars and Stripes’ or ‘The National Anthem’ and everybody would strut off down the street…”  

A Second Line consists of brass band, sometimes a Grand Marshall to lead, and the people following. Second Line became best known from the ceremonies of the famous jazz funerals. Today, people have Second Lines for weddings or any number of events. For weddings, apart from a casket, the mourners and a cemetery visit, they carry many of the same traditions with them as they march down the streets usually in the French Quarter.

Ranging in size, level of organization, and traditions, second lines include a brass band, jubilant dancing in the street, and members decked out in a wardrobe of brightly colored clothes and accessories. The point of Second Lines is to keep the energy alive, celebrating with loved ones and friends, and dancing in the street moving from block to block.

The term “second line parade” refers to all those who join in the excitement. The people who are part of the hosting organization are the “first line” of the parade.
New Orleans Second Line Musicians

Second Lines can seemingly pop up but of nowhere.  But, as soon as you hear those bouncy brass notes, you are struck with immediate happiness and energy, and people stop what they’re doing to smile and maybe join in the celebration.  Then, just as quickly as it appears, it disappears into the French Quarter neighborhood.


In the post, you will notice one of the biggest second lines in New Orleans. This size is not typical. I was fortunate enough to be a part of David Bowie’s Second Line hosted by Arcade Fire. The other pictures are the typical size for second lines.

If you are traveling to New Orleans, maybe you will be fortunate enough to see one. If not, host your own and watch strangers become friends for just a moment while dancing in the streets to some of the most upbeat, loud, and soulful music. There is no better recipe for joy than joining in on a New Orleans Second Line.

Interested in hosting your own Second Line? Go here for details. http://www.nola.com/living/index.ssf/2016/09/how_to_have_a_second-line_or_p.html

Looking for a truly unique experience in the French Quarter? Join Royal Tours New Orleans for a personalized and private walking tour of the French Quarter. We offer private and intimate tours of the French Quarter lead by our long term resident tour guides. You may choose our popular French Quarter History Tour, or tell us what you are interested in, and we will make sure you have the best tour experience possible. Our guides are long term residents of New Orleans and are immersed in its history and culture. We are not afraid to go off the beaten path. And remember, all of our tours are private. You and your group will have exclusive use of our guide for the duration of your tour. It will be like having a new best friend in the French Quarter! Email us or call us at 504-507-8333 to schedule your private tour.

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