MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — Easter Sunday in New York means one of the city’s most colorful traditions. Thousands lined Fifth Avenue for the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, where over-the-top hats and spring fashion take center stage.
It all unfolded right outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The parade dates back to the 1870s where people would stroll the avenue and show off the latest spring looks.
The tradition has evolved and now it is all about the bonnets, where the rule is not to follow any rules.
This year there were many nods to New York City with a pigeon and an everything bagel, pizza rat and King Kong. Another bonnet had Lady Liberty front and center.
“I’m an immigrant, this city is made of immigrants, immigrants make America great,” said the paradegoer.
The Reyes family from Long Island made everything themselves.
“We really got creative in a 99 cent store,” they said.
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