Boasting a large Catholic population, New Orleans observes All Saints' Day more rigorously than other places in the United States.

In the Crescent City, Nov. 1, a day of observance and remembrance of those who have passed, often goes beyond religious boundaries to embrace shared cultural experiences.

In 1999, the Backstreet Cultural Museum introduced a new All Saints' Day tradition by presenting its first All Saints' second-line and commemoration.

The event, masterminded by the museum's late founder, Sylvester Francis, also acted as a lead-in to the grand opening of the museum.

Previously, the primary activity in New Orleans on All Saints' Day had been to visit and attend to the gravesites of relatives, loved ones and friends. As the legendary Benny Jones, the drummer and bandleade

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