Second Lines

The people of New Orleans have a unique culture influenced by the coming together of many elements, particularly the mixture of Catholicism and traditional African religions. Unlike many plantation systems, New Orleans slaves were given each Sunday off. Every week, they gathered and socialized in Congo Square, and in this way the tradition of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs was born. The Clubs are community cornerstones, remaining active to the present day. Their main service is to provide life insurance for their members and to pay for funeral expenses.

During a traditional “jazz funeral”, the body of the deceased is
escorted to the cemetery by the Social Aid Club band playing
dirges. After the burial, the band begins to play joyful music
and friends and neighbors join in the celebration. This is known
as the Second Line. In New Orleans today, Second Lines are
no longer confined to funeral processions, but are
spontaneous celebrations of
a number of life’s events.