The Second Line Parade
A beloved New Orleans tradition

Two men in tuxedos with orange and green leis around their necks conversing on a street, with a colorful parade float featuring a performer in a vibrant costume with wings and a lion mask in the background.

I Love A Parade

Any Roulez program can (and should!) include a second line parade. A no-fail crowd pleaser, this often becomes the most memorable experience of them all. Trust Roulez to propel your street take over with one of the best brass bands in town. It’s how fun people get around!

About Second Lines

The second line parade comes from the New Orleans jazz funeral tradition. Following a service, mourners walk to the cemetery behind a mule-drawn carriage or hearse while the band plays slow, somber tunes on brass horns and drums. Following the burial, the musical mood lifts in celebration of life and the soul’s transition, and the group marches out. Those who join in comprise the raucous “second line.” New Orleans has expanded brass band-led street processions to include celebrations of all kinds.

People celebrating outdoors, some holding papers, one woman wearing a pink feather boa smiling and waving.

Why Roulez?

We’ve thrown hundreds of second lines and many float parades. It’s a specialty of our founder’s, honed from her six years serving as the Assistant to the Captain of the Krewe of Hermes. Hermes has dominated the Friday night parade roster in Mardi Gras since 1937 and also puts on a 900-person marching parade.  Lacey put on the events and every aspect of the season, carrying that know-how into Roulez.

Graphic of a purple umbrella with gold accents and the text 'i love VIEUX second line parades' in gold and purple letters.

Our partner in parading - I Love Vieux

Jazz Up your Parade (with these festive extras)

  • Group of people celebrating on a city street, throwing papers in the air, smiling and dressed in formal attire.

    Handkerchiefs

    For your guests to wave, hankies are a second line tradition and the most popular addition. Print something memorable with custom artwork or choose from our stock designs.

  • People celebrating during a parade on a city street, with a woman in the foreground laughing and a person behind her wearing a decorated hat with the letters 'A' and 'K' and a snake embroidered on it.

    Umbrellas

    Custom umbrellas are a must for newlyweds and are a wonderful way for any guest of honor to stand out.

  • A man in a beige coat and plaid pants leading a parade with a colorful feathered headdress and a large circular banner, followed by a marching band and a crowd of onlookers on a city street.

    Band Leaders

    Traditionally called Grand Marshals, they are frequently requested for their colorful suits and striking dance moves, plus they maintain the pace of the parade.

  • Person dressed in a colorful, elaborate costume with feathers and patterns, holding a tambourine, standing on a city street.

    Mardi Gras Indians

    The Mardi Gras Indian is a deep part of New Orleans’ Black traditions. In a parade, their elaborate hand-beaded costumes and dancing add a striking touch.

  • A woman wearing a sparkling costume with large teal feathered headdress, teal gloves, and a necklace, posing in an elegant interior with wooden chairs and arched doorways.

    Performers

    Costumed burlesque dancers, stilt walkers, jugglers, hula hoopers, alligators, fairies, movie characters and much more are possible! We love wild ideas!

  • A wedding parade on the street with newlyweds in a decorated wagon that says 'Just Married!', surrounded by a crowd of people, some playing musical instruments, and friends and family celebrating.

    Mini Floats

    An impressive and regal way to transport the newly hitched couple to their reception or the CEO to the next destination.

Parade Pointers

🎺 It is recommended that no less than 15 people march in a parade

🎺 The typical parade is 6-7 blocks long and lasts 30 minutes

🎺 Most parades call for 6 musicians - extra large groups call for additional players

  • Thank you for helping us to arrange a spectacular two days in New Orleans. Your special touches really put it over the top. The group couldn't stop raving about the Second Line and dinner last night. It felt like very special access.

    Jessica Rovello Arkadium, YPO-Metro

  • I've worked with Roulez for years. Lacey is a pleasure to work with and always delivers a rousing revel, handling the details so that all you have to do is let the good times roll. You can trust her to produce a great Second Line parade!

    Craig Ball TX Attorney