Second Line Parade
Where the court meets the street in a rhythmic celebration of New Orleans pride.
The Second Line Parade is a vibrant cultural tradition rooted in New Orleans' African American community, characterized by brass bands, umbrellas, and handkerchiefs that symbolize celebration and resilience. While not an official team ritual mandated by the franchise, this spirit has been embraced by Pelicans fans as a unique way to honor victories and connect the basketball arena with the city's deep musical heritage.
In the context of the New Orleans Pelicans, the Second Line represents the fusion of professional sports and local identity. It transforms standard game-day celebrations into a moving tribute to the city that adopted the team after Hurricane Katrina, serving as a living bridge between the hardwood court and the historic streets of the French Quarter.
- Origin
- New Orleans African American funeral and celebration traditions
- Key Elements
- Brass bands, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, second line dancers
- Cultural Role
- Celebration of life, community resilience, and victory
- Pelicans Connection
- Fan-driven adoption for major wins and special events
- Musical Style
- Second Line brass band music (up-tempo, syncopated)
- Status
- Living cultural tradition integrated into local sports culture
Lore & Background
The Second Line originated as a funeral procession where family and friends followed the casket (the first line) while a brass band played, with the rest of the community joining behind to celebrate life. Over time, this evolved into a staple of weddings, parades, and street festivals across New Orleans. The tradition is defined by its specific visual markers: participants waving colorful handkerchiefs or holding umbrellas, moving in a serpentine fashion to the syncopated rhythm of the band.
When the Pelicans arrived in New Orleans as an expansion team following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, they inherited a city desperate for hope and unity. The Second Line became a metaphorical vehicle for this healing. Fans began incorporating the spirit of the parade into their support for the team, viewing a home win not just as a sports victory, but as a communal triumph worthy of a brass band procession. This cultural osmosis has made the Pelicans one of the few NBA teams where the fan experience is inextricably linked to the city's musical soul.
Unlike other franchises that might rely on generic cheerleading or pop anthems, the Pelicans' identity is often punctuated by the sounds of a real brass band. This connection honors the city's history while creating a distinct atmosphere at the Smoothie King Center (formerly New Orleans Arena). It reinforces the idea that the team belongs to the people, celebrating every bounce back and every victory with the same joyous energy found in the streets of Treme.
In Their Own Story
The final buzzer echoed through the arena, sealing a dramatic overtime victory. Before the players could even reach the bench, the familiar, brassy wail of 'When the Saints Go Marching In' cut through the crowd's roar. It wasn't just a recording; it was the sound of a local brass band, invited by fans to take the floor. Umbrellas popped open in the lower bowl, and handkerchiefs waved like sea foam against the green and gold jerseys. For a moment, the hardwood court dissolved into a street parade, the boundary between spectator and player vanishing as the rhythm took over, reminding everyone that in New Orleans, every win is a celebration of survival.
Reader's Guide
The Pelicans play their home games at the Smoothie King Center in downtown New Orleans. The arena's design incorporates local architectural influences, but the true atmosphere comes from the fans who bring the city's culture inside.
Game-day experiences often feature live brass bands warming up before tip-off or celebrating key moments. Fans are encouraged to participate by waving handkerchiefs or umbrellas during victory laps, mimicking the traditional Second Line procession found on the streets of the French Quarter and Treme neighborhoods.
The team plays a vital role in the broader community, frequently organizing events that support local charities and schools. By integrating the Second Line spirit into their brand, the Pelicans help preserve New Orleans' unique musical heritage while fostering a sense of unity among residents who have weathered significant challenges together.
Did You Know?
- The term 'Second Line' refers to the group of people following the main procession in traditional New Orleans parades.
- Pelicans games often feature live brass bands, a rarity among NBA arenas that highlights the city's musical identity.
- The tradition of the Second Line is deeply rooted in African American history and serves as both a celebration of life and a form of communal resilience.
- Fans often bring umbrellas to games not for rain protection, but as a symbolic nod to the traditional Second Line dancers.