To visitors, a second line in New Orleans might look like an impromptu brass band parade weaving through the streets — but it’s much more than a party. Second lines are acts of remembrance, resistance, and renewal. They’re a ritual in motion, born from a legacy of struggle and solidarity. At a time when cultural traditions across New Orleans are increasingly commodified for outside profit, second lines remain defiantly rooted in community. As explored in our recent piece, When Culture Becomes Commodity: Who Profits from New Orleans Authenticity?, the tension between preservation and exploitation runs deep. Second lines are not just something to watch — they are something to feel, to follow, and to protect.
What Is a Second Line?
A second line parade is a community procession traditionally led by a brass band and members of a Social Aid and Pleasure Club — known as the “main line.” Behind them comes the “second line,” which includes friends, neighbors, and anyone moved by the rhythm who wants to join in.
These processions typically take place on Sunday afternoons during the fall and spring and travel through the neighborhoods where the SAPCs are based. Unlike Mardi Gras parades, second lines are free-form, neighborhood-rooted, and often weave through historically Black communities.
Learn more about the structure and meaning of second lines from New Orleans & Company.
Historical Roots: Benevolent Societies and Mutual Aid
Second lines trace back to benevolent societies in the 1800s, formed by free and formerly enslaved Black New Orleanians who were excluded from mainstream insurance and social support systems. These organizations — such as the Perseverance Benevolent and Mutual Aid Association, founded in March 1783— pooled resources to help members with burial costs, health care, and financial support during times of hardship.
As funeral processions evolved, they incorporated brass bands and ritualized celebration, giving rise to the early form of what we now call the second line. The parade was both a sendoff and a show of resilience — a joyful expression of life in the face of death.
For a detailed historical overview, visit A Closer Walk NOLA’s section on benevolent societies.
Music, Movement, and Resistance
The sound of the second line — driven by brass bands that blend jazz, funk, soul, and spirituals — reflects the musical DNA of New Orleans. This is not background music; it’s a moving pulse that animates the community.
But second lines are more than cultural celebrations. They are also acts of resistance and reclamation. In neighborhoods like Tremé, Central City, and the Lower Ninth Ward — areas that have faced disinvestment, police violence, and gentrification — second lines reclaim public space and affirm Black presence and identity.
Scholars have noted that second lines function as both cultural expression and political assertion, offering a public platform to mourn, celebrate, and protest. As explained in Southern Cultures Journal, they “reinscribe African American histories onto city streets.”
The Role of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs
Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs (SAPCs) are the organizations that plan, fund, and host second lines. These clubs are often multi-generational and serve as cultural custodians and community anchors, offering support for members in times of need while preserving traditions that pre-date the Civil War.
One of the oldest active SAPCs is the Young Men Olympian Junior Benevolent Association, founded in 1884. Clubs like this design elaborate suits and regalia, hire brass bands, and plan detailed routes that often pay homage to loved ones, historic sites, or neighborhood landmarks.
The Historic New Orleans Collection offers an archive of SAPC narratives and photos documenting this living tradition.
Modern-Day Second Lines and Their Cultural Significance
Today, second lines take place almost every Sunday from late summer through early spring. Routes are typically announced in advance, and they move through the neighborhoods that birthed these traditions. Each club has its own style, colors, and historical significance.
More than a performance, second lines are a form of cultural maintenance — a ritual that resists erasure in a city rapidly changing due to tourism, redevelopment, and climate displacement. As noted by Lonely Planet, second lines are “how New Orleanians celebrate life, mourn the dead, and demand to be seen.”
The second line schedule maintained by WWOZ radio is a great resource for those wanting to experience the tradition respectfully.
Second Line Etiquette: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re new to second lines, here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Respect the main line. The front of the parade belongs to the SAPC members and the band. Don’t cut in or interfere with the choreography.
- Follow the flow. You’re welcome to dance, clap, and celebrate — that’s the beauty of the second line. Just keep the line moving.
- Support local vendors. Many neighborhood residents set up grills or sell drinks along the route. Buying from them is part of supporting the tradition.
- Take photos respectfully. Second lines are not tourist attractions — they are living expressions of identity and culture. Be present, not intrusive.
Reddit users and locals also often share helpful tips and etiquette reminders for attending second lines the right way.
Second lines aren’t relics of the past. They are living proof that community, creativity, and resistance still march through New Orleans every week — horns blaring, umbrellas spinning, and feet stepping in time to something much deeper than music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Second Lines in New Orleans
What is a second line parade?
A second line parade is a New Orleans cultural tradition that features a brass band and members of a Social Aid and Pleasure Club (SAPC) leading a procession through city streets. Community members and onlookers follow behind — this group is called “the second line.” The event combines music, dancing, and celebration with deep historical and cultural significance.
Where do second lines happen in New Orleans?
Most second lines take place in historically Black neighborhoods such as Tremé, Central City, the Seventh Ward, and the Lower Ninth Ward. Routes are typically announced by the hosting SAPC and may be shared on calendars like the WWOZ Second Line Parade Schedule.
When do second lines happen?
Second lines usually occur on Sunday afternoons from late summer to early spring (typically August through June). Each week features a different SAPC hosting the event.
Can tourists attend a second line?
Yes, but with respect. Tourists are welcome to join in the celebration, but it’s important to remember that second lines are not just performances — they’re living cultural expressions. Observers should follow proper second line etiquette and support the local communities that keep these traditions alive.
How are second lines different from Mardi Gras parades?
Second lines are grassroots, community-based events with deep ties to mutual aid and cultural preservation. Mardi Gras parades are more structured, often organized by large krewes and focused on entertainment and spectacle. Second lines are less about beads and floats, and more about music, movement, and community.
What is a Social Aid and Pleasure Club?
SAPCs are mutual aid organizations that date back to the 19th century. Originally formed to support members with funeral costs, health care, and other needs, they now also play a critical role in preserving New Orleans’ cultural heritage by organizing second line parades.
