What is a Second Line?

A funeral Second Line Parade is a New Orleans tradition that involves a procession of mourners and community members that follows a jazz band and the deceased’s family, usually from the funeral to the burial service. The parade is a celebration of the life of the deceased. Second lining has been called “the quintessential New Orleans art form – a jazz funeral without a body.” Historically, the African-American community began second lines as neighborhood celebrations to honor members who died in their community.