New Orleans has unveiled a memorial named Second Line in the Sky which memorialises the 14 victims killed and dozens others injured in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street. It will remain open until January 18, 2026.
“Second Line in the Sky has been created with the victims’ families and it features flags honouring each life lost and an illuminated display along Bourbon Street,” said Kelly Schulz, Senior Vice President Communications and Public Relations at New Orleans and Company. “We hope it becomes an annual tradition — a remembrance woven into our holiday season.”
Suspended across the 100–300 blocks of Bourbon Street, nearly 1,000 hand-crafted flags and illuminated Second Line–inspired elements form a glowing canopy overhead. It has been developed in close partnership with families and survivors.
“We’ve been through a challenging year,” continued Schulz. “The horrific terrorist attack deeply affected the community. The victims were simply out celebrating on Bourbon Street and doing exactly what we encourage visitors to do. It was heartbreaking.
“But what stood out was how the community came together. Our CEO, our business leaders, residents; everyone refused to let one evil individual dim what New Orleans represents to the world. And despite the scrutiny leading into Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, both events were executed safely and beautifully.”
She also reiterated the city’s commitment to tourism and inclusion. “People do sometimes worry about how they’ll be received when they visit the U.S. Our new mayor understands the significance of international tourism, and her leadership reflects that openness.”
New Orleans has just been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music, announced on October 31, and the city also earned its first ever Michelin stars this year. Two restaurants earned one star, and one restauran, Emeril’s, earned two stars.
There are several events happening in New Orleans across 2026 too, including the annual Rockin’ 1000 which is coming to the U.S. for the first time on January 31. The Tall Ships “Sail250” event will also take place in late May/early June, where vessels from places like Chile, Peru, and the Netherlands will dock for several days with fireworks, a seafood cook-off, and public tours, before travelling up the East Coast for the July 4 celebrations.
Connectivity to the Louisiana city is even easier now that British Airways has recently launched a nonstop service from New Orleans to London Heathrow, which runs four times a week.
