Blog Layout

The New Orleans Second Line

Royal Tours New Orleans • Jun 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.

Norma Wallace - A New Orleans Madam

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 25 Jul, 2023
N orma Wallace, a name that evokes intrigue and fascination, was a prominent figure in New Orleans during the early and mid-20th century. As a powerful and resourceful madam, she operated a network of brothels that thrived despite the constant threat of law enforcement. Beginning in 1920, she would operate brothels for the next 45 years, a span that has not been beaten in the history of New Orleans.
Muriel's Porkchop

Coolinary New Orleans 2021

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 05 Aug, 2021
It's Coolinary month in New Orleans!
Fog-filled Pirate's Alley in the French Quarter

Why is New Orleans so Haunted?

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 04 Aug, 2021
Many people ask us why New Orleans is so haunted. Here's our take...

2020 Réveillon Dinner in New Orleans

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 08 Dec, 2020
New Orleans celebrates with the 2020 Reveillon Menus.

Our Youtube Channel is live!

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 09 Nov, 2020
Join us on Youtube!
Romeo Spikes in the French Quarter

French Quarter Romeo Spikes

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 29 Oct, 2020
Romeo Spikes and the story of the Hanging Boy in the French Quarter
St Louis Cathedral

Interviews by BlondeVoyage901

By Jordan Booth • 10 Jun, 2020
BlondeVoyage901 offers her first installment of travel tips for New Orleans from a long term resident.
A Mardi Gras store window

Official New Orleans Mardi Gras 2020 Schedule

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 07 Jan, 2020
The Official New Orleans Mardi Gras 2020 Parade Schedule
Best late night eats in the French Quarter

Best Late Night Eats in the French Quarter

By Royal Tours New Orleans • 02 Jan, 2020
After a late night on Bourbon Street or Frenchman, where are the best places for a satisfying plate of food in the French Quarter?
Show More
Share by: