The Village Halloween Parade: A Celebration of Identity
The Village Halloween Parade, held on October 31, attracts over 2 million people to Sixth Avenue each year, featuring creative costumes, large puppets, and a flash mob of the iconic "Thriller" dance.
Originating in 1973, the parade began as a small, door-to-door walk around Ralph Lee's neighborhood, led by the mask and puppet designer.
The following year, Lee formalized the event for the Theater for the New City, which has long supported the LGBTQ+ community, providing a rare space for queer and drag communities to express themselves freely.
The event has grown in popularity since its inception, but its roots remain a celebration of identity exploration and expression.
Today, the parade features drag performers, Elton John lookalikes, and queer Victorian-era couples, showcasing a diverse and vibrant community.
Author's summary: A Halloween parade celebrating identity and self-expression.