Some have called it a festive moving block party, complete with spirited live music. Neighbors, friends, or social clubs usually organize these and head up the parade along with an honored guest (or guests) like a bride and groom. They actually make up the first “line” of the parade.
After the VIP first line guests comes the brass band, enthusiastically leading the second line with lively music and often some killer dance moves and struts. Second line parades are particularly great because unlike most parades, it’s a very inclusive affair. Anyone energetic enough to keep up can join in the parade, following the band and adding own their dancing and strutting to the fun.
Second line revelers can also bring flare to the procession by adding to the beat of the band with hand clapping or pretty much any improvised instrument like sticks or bottles. Since a good deal of the movement and sound are made up as the procession goes, it’s fair to say that each parade is unique with its own distinct style based on its participants.
Originally, second line parades were actually part of funeral and burial traditions that originated in West Africa. Some still carry on this upbeat tradition as a celebration of life, particularly for black musicians who are appropriately “buried with music”.
Nowadays, some bride and grooms get extra and add second line parades to their wedding day festivities. They might hold them after the ceremony, choosing to parade from the ceremony site to the reception site. They are also held during receptions (helps get even the most curmudgeonly wallflowers off their feet and dancing) or sometimes after the reception to close the night out with a bang.
Some couples even decide to celebrate in the streets with their second line parade (and this is where the need for a permit would come in). In a typical raucous New Orleans second-line parade, police may blare sirens and clear the way for the bride, groom, and other paraders to dance there way down the street. Don’t be surprised when random people join in this type of parade, it’s almost impossible to resist! These parades usually go about 5-8 blocks and last around 20-30 minutes.
You don’t have to be in New Orleans (you might be in a city like San Francisco perhaps) in order to organize a second line parade. New Orleans is happy to share their traditions with festive party people around the country and globe. Wherever you decide to stomp your feet, just make sure you contact the local authorities and get your permit situation straight so you can parade without a care in the world.
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