In New Orleans, there are several unique traditions around funerals and burials, the most striking of which, in my opinion, is the Jazz funeral. Jazz funerals are full of vibrant colors, music (traditionally a brass band), and, in general, life. Such a service is less about mourning and more about the celebration of the life that person had and the things that person gave to those left behind as well as their mark and the vibrancy of the deceased’s personality.
These ceremonies are most known for the parade to the cemetery. They are led, both in direction and in music, by one individual. These parades never go in a straight line in an effort to confuse malevolent spirits to let the dead rest peacefully upon the arrival to their final resting place. The parade stops when the leader says stop and moves when the leader says move. Only the leader knows the route to the cemetery.
This kind of funeral is found only in New Orleans and was originally only for prominent black male community members but has since been broadened. They still remain a heavily black event. As these are a unique and important pillar of the culture of New Orleans, it’s safe and accurate to say that black culture makes New Orleans what it is.
Celebrations of life are becoming more and more common today as people recognize the comfort that comes from celebrating life rather than fearing death. Personally, I believe services like jazz funerals are somewhat responsible for this becoming a more widely understood concept among Caucasian Americans.