Sublime weather welcomed thousands of festively attired promenaders for the Fifth Avenue Easter Parade yesterday. The annual event isn't a parade in the conventional sense—no floats or marching bands—but it's arguably more enjoyable. Instead of massive, dangerous balloons marauding down the avenue, the space is taken over by the people, many of whom come dressed in spectacular costumes and monumental bonnets. According to Midmanhattan.com, the tradition dates back to the middle of the 19th century, "when the social elite would attend services at one of the 5th Avenue churches and parade their new fashions down the Avenue afterwards." more ›

Manhattan's Easter Parade is an annual tradition for people to show off their creativity as much as their finery. Young and old strut along 5th Avenue in front of an appreciative audience, even as they balance sometimes precarious constructions atop their heads. The parade used to be strictly for the peacockery of the well-heeled, but now anyone with a flair for creative design seems to have a chance to shine. Following is just a sample of floral, marshmallow, and NYC-inspired bonnets and hats that participants wore. Seeing it in person is even better. more ›