The Second Line Parade

October 21, 2012

The bride and groom march down the street

As we were walking around the French Quarter we heard a brass band playing “When the Saints Come Marching in.” Our guide told us to wait to see a “second line” come by. What was that, we asked? This event traces its roots to 19^th century African American funerals, in which the “first line” is the somber procession on the way to the cemetery. The “second line” is the happier celebration after the deceased has been laid to rest and is presumably on his or her way to heaven. However, it also refers to more pleasant events, such as a wedding (which is what we saw), in which there is a brass band and jubilant dancing in the streets. The second line parade combines a courtly procession with a moving block party. Had we wanted to, we would have been welcome to join the parade and dance our way along the streets of the French quarter!