New York parades are the biggest, flashiest, and most exciting. Okay, I'm a little bit biased as a long-time New Yorker.
Sure, New York parades snarl up traffic and cause pedestrian rage incidents to skyrocket, but they also provide opportunities for New Yorkers to cut loose, get creative, and party in the streets.
I've rounded up my favorite New York parades -- along with photos of all of the action for those of you who love a parade, just not in real life.
Do you have a favorite New York parade that's not on this list? Please send me your suggestions and your best New York parade photos.
1. New York Gay Pride Parade
The annual LGBT Pride March is part of the annual New York Gay Pride Week festivities.
2. Village Halloween Parade
If I had to pick a favorite New York parade, I'd go with the Village Halloween Parade, the nation's largest public Halloween celebration and a New York institution for 36 years. It's even listed in the book, 100 Things to Do Before You Die: Travel Events You Just Can't Miss. I attend every year and even marched in costume in 2010.
- Your guide to the Village Halloween Parade
- We've got photos of the latest Village Halloween Parade costumes and craziness and classic Halloween parade shots.
- So you want to march in the Village Halloween Parade...
3. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Since 1924, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday tradition for New Yorkers and TV viewers around the world. More than 2.5 million line the streets of New York to see the balloons, the floats, and the celebrities.
- Learn all about the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- See photos of the most recent Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and photos from previous Thanksgivings.
- Don't forget the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation the night before the big parade.
- Get the scoop on driving and parking in Manhattan on Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade day.
- Go behind the scenes and see how the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade floats are built in a New Jersey warehouse.
- Find cool Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade souvenirs.
4. New York Puerto Rican Day Parade
Crowds in excess of two million line Fifth Avenue every June for the Puerto Rican Day Parade.
5. New York Easter Parade
The New York City Easter Parade has been an annual tradition since Civil War days and features marchers in elaborate Easter finery, including some of the fanciest Easter bonnets imaginable.
6. New York St. Patrick's Day Parade
The first St.Patrick's Day parade in New York City was organized in 1762 by Irish soldiers. It's one of the few New York parades that does not allow cars, floats, or other vehicles -- and the only one that features leprechauns drinking green beer.
7. New York Dance Parade
Every June, New Yorkers gather for some dancing in the streets at the New York City Dance Parade. Who needs floats and marching bands when you have dancing feet?
8. New York Columbus Day Parade
More than 35,000 marchers and over a million spectators converge on Fifth Avenue to celebrate the contributions of New York's Italian-American community during the New York Columbus Day Parade in October.
9. Three Kings Parade and Festival
El Museo del Barrio celebrates hree Kings Day in Januray with a procession through the streets of East Harlem. Where else can you find live camels, music, colorful puppets, dancing, and parrandas in one fabulous event?
10. New York Veterans Day Parade
The New York Veterans Day Parade is the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation. Since November 11, 1919, the parade has provided an opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to honor those who have served
11. Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
This annual Chinatown parade celebrates the lunar new year with marching bands, dragon dancers, acrobats, floats, and more.
12. Dog Halloween Parade
While the annual New York City dog Halloween parades (we now have two) don't quite have the history and gravitas of some of the other famous New York parades, I am a sucker for cute dogs in Halloween costumes.
