{Happy Mardi Gras!} A Tribute to Second Lines!

Those who know me know I get very nostalgic and “home sick” for New Orleans during this time of year… Carnival Season!

Today is Mardi Gras day which marks the end of Carnival Season. And if I can’t be in New Orleans to see the ZuLu Queen and catch my coconut a blog about my favorite kind of New Orleans parade is the next best thing.

We all know that New Orleans is famous for it’s elaborate parades but did you know that they don’t just have parades during carnival but they have them all year! And my favorite kind of New Orleans parade doesn’t involve any floats at all, the Second Line! These parades can be seen year round in the streets of NOLA and one of the most common things you see them in celebration of? Weddings!

That’s right, Second Line’s are a New Orleans Wedding Tradition!

What is a Second Line? It’s a walking parade through the streets that is lead by a Brass Band (that’s the 1st line) and followed by the wedding party and all of the guest (that’s the 2nd line!)

Usually it starts with a brass band starting to play immediately after the ceremony and leading the bride, groom, wedding party, and guests into the streets. (and yes, there is even a police escort)

There are few traditions I have witnessed in my life that are as fun as a Second Line! As the parade rolls down the street everyone stops to watch, people come running out of buildings to see the band and the bride, and pedestrians even join in on the fun dancing with the newly weds as they stroll by! The Bride and Groom twirl and dance with their parasols that are often custom decorated, and the guest wave their handkerchiefs. And even if the wedding is at a location where parading through the streets isn’t possible, a Second Line will often be done at some point during the reception.

Before you go on – Click here to listen to the traditional Second Line song as you scroll through the photos!

Enjoy some of my favorite shots from some New Orleans Second Lines I had the honor of capturing back in 2010!