Village Halloween Parade: Two million watch 53rd annual march
The event drew 80,000 costumed participants and featured a variety of musical and theatrical performances in Lower Manhattan.
By Amira Patel ·
An estimated two million people lined the streets of Lower Manhattan to watch the 53rd annual New York Village Halloween Parade on Oct. 31.
The march began at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue before moving toward West 16th Street in Greenwich Village. Approximately 80,000 participants in costumes walked the route. This year’s theme, “Body & Soul,” focused on movement, dreams, and the Year of the Horse. The concept inspired a procession filled with music, dance, and theatrical flair.
Legendary director Spike Lee joined the festivities by walking the route. He also filmed the iconic “Thriller” dance troupe as it passed by. Dance and music dominated the evening’s entertainment. Performers presented funky disco numbers and groups inspired by the film Miss Congeniality. A Dolly Parton drumline also played for the crowd.
The parade included cultural tributes to Día de los Muertos. A mariachi group led by a young singer had spectators singing along and shouting “¡Viva México!” Floats added to the spectacle with shouting zombies and Subway Mania wrestlers. These elements brought unexpected fun to the long march.
The event started in the late afternoon and continued through the evening. The parade culminated around 11 p.m. after hours of elaborate costumes, lively performances, and Halloween revelry.
Source: amNY
