NYC Easter Parade 2012

After decades in NYC, I finally took part in one of the city’s time-honored celebrations: The Easter Parade.

NYC Easter Parade 2012 Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th Streets was closed to traffic and packed with revelers enjoying the spectacle of fanciful bonnets and costumes.  There were also vendors selling balloon sculptures, cotton candy, kebabs, juices, and homemade churros.  Added to the congested mix were street performers (singers, acrobats, dancers, an old-fashioned magician complete with rabbit, and a jazz ensemble playing standards of a by-gone era).  Seniors, children, families, tourists, and drag queens came together to marvel and celebrate.

Memorable moment: standing in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, awe-struck by the warmth and creativity while a street performer crooned “Easter Parade.” A unique NYC moment.

(Click on photo to open slideshow. All photos by Author)