Skip Bourbon Street: This Is How New Orlean Locals Celebrate in Style
The flavor of New Orleans goes beyond fresh catfish and crispy shrimp po boys. If you want to tap into NOLA’s soul, clear your Sunday plans and head towards the city’s Second Line celebration. Dare to explore beyond Bourbon street (even Frenchmen street) and experience NOLA’s soul, undiluted and straight from the tap. I guarantee, you’ll leave New Orleans with a renewed sense of joy, spirit, and appreciation for cultural gatherings.
What Is a Second Line Parade?
Locals often describe Second Line Sundays as a “Jazz funeral without a body,” and I can’t help but agree. These parades trace back to the 19th century, when freed Black New Orleanians gathered by the thousands in the town’s Congo Square to celebrate the end of slavery. The date of Jubilee, June 11, 1864, is marked in history as the Emancipation Jubilee for abolishing slavery in Louisiana. Today, the tradition rings on through community-based organizations known as social aid and pleasure clubs. These societies are adorned with large brass trumpets, decorated uniforms, and joyful dancing feet.
My Experience Walking with the Second Line
As I walked alongside the parade, joy and glee surged through my body and out through my toes. Despite being naturally shy, I genuinely couldn’t help but sway my hips and nod my head to the belting of the trumpet. Pride poured out of me as I stood alongside the band and turned onto the final block, the crowd that followed along tripling in size. Grandmas, Auntys, uncles, and babies filled every corner, jumping, cheering, swaying, and laughing together.
The trumpets wailed, making everyone’s knees bend at the harmony. This celebration was the epitome of New Orleans Jazz. Fresh off the grill, with the steam still poking through. And if you aren’t careful, it may burn you. I’m partly being literal here, the weather app said it was 86 degrees, but everyone knows in New Orleans you add an extra 10 degrees for the humidity in the air.
Final Thoughts on Cultural Celebration
By the end of the parade, I was slick with sweat. I had marched over a mile with the band eager to capture every moment with my eyes. I struck up conversations with a few locals, who were surprised to see a visitor at the Second Line. A deeply sacred and intentional celebration, a local affair if you will. If you want to join in on the celebration below are a few tips that I learned along the way.
Find the schedule for Second Line Sundays at secondlines.com
6 Tips for Enjoying a Second Line Parade in New Orleans:
- Respect the Culture
- Be mindful of the space that you consume. The parade typically had a red line that separates the band from onlookers joining from the street. Be mindful not to cross the line and obstruct the band as they parade through
- Check the Parade Schedule
- Follow the Second Line website for updates on location, start/end times, and sponsorship for bands
- Visit the Backstreet Museum
- If you want to understand the history of parades like the Second Line in New Orleans this museum stores impactful insights. This is also a great way to donate and help preserve the tradition.
- Wear Breathable Clothing
- New Orleans is very hot and the parade requires walking in the streets of New Orleans
- There are local police that block off roads along the parade’s route, so safety is not a concern but plan for a lot of walking
- Stay hydrated
- If you chose to follow the parade for a longer duration, stack up on your hydration and snacks
- The sun and heat can be unrelenting, you want to make sure you can enjoy the parade while being safe at the same time
- Support Local Vendors
- There are multiple vendors walking throughout the parade selling water, juice, and food so fret not if you don’t bring your own
