MIDTOWN — Hundreds came out Sunday to celebrate the holiday, don elaborate hats, and admire the various headdresses at New York City's annual Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival.
The festivities began at West 49th Street and Fifth Avenue shortly after 10 a.m., when the loose gathering of parade-goers, who came from all reaches of the city and beyond, milled up the avenue, which was closed to traffic up to West 57th Street.
Unlike so many of the city's parades, the Easter event doesn't require organized groups, floats, or a musical act in order to march — just a willingness to show up and show off.
Laura, 26, and Megan Butler, 28 were visiting the city from Mansfield, Ohio and came out to enjoy the river of marchers.
"We love to come here. It's a parade for the people," said Megan. Markus Kelle, 23, from Queens said it was part of his Easter morning tradition. "I come here very year to dress up and to enjoy a happy Easter," he said.