It may appear a bit strange to visitors the first time you lay eyes on a New Orleans' second line. The basics are this: New Orleanians love celebrations and we love music. This is the precious combination of the two. Whether for a homegoing for a loved one, a wedding, or just because it's Wednesday and the sun is out, you will commonly find a second line throughout the city. This parade of people, large or small, is traditionally led by a brass band and followed by a line of people. Don't worry, there is no need to run to youtube and practice any formal line dancing. :) You simply enjoy the music and walk however you feel free, typically with a handkerchief or umbrella in hand.
Here's a brief history (thanks to Wiki): Second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. The "main line" or "first line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the actual club with the parading permit as well as the brass band. Those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the "second line." The second line's style of traditional dance, in which participants walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called "second lining." It has been called "the quintessential New Orleans art form...."
Click here to read the full page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_line_(parades)
As a kid, I was often "tortured" to learn the second line as a part of my culture. Since I was a bit shy, I dreaded this practice (of course, one has to learn how to properly strut your stuff as not to embarrass the family lol). But as I got older, I realized how proud I am to be from a city that knows the value in taking time to celebrate significant moments in life and to do it with the best soundtrack possible.
So please join us in a small second line as we celebrate our marriage and as we say in the Big Easy... "Do Watcha Wanna"!
*We're staying near the building, so no worries if you forget your comfy shoes or are unable to walk far*
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