Filed under: Greenwich Village, Halloween, neighborhood, parade
Halloween Greenwich Village Style
Now in its 38th year, the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade brings together the economic ethnic, social, sexual and racial diversity of New York City into a huge neighborhood party. This is a family friendly event, and the NYC Police Department has recognized the Parade for its contribution in making Halloween a safe event, bringing together the community in a creative and playful way.
The parade originated with a Greenwich Village (Travel Guide) mask maker and puppeteer walking from house to house with his children and their friends. The neighbors were charmed and entertained, and others eventually joined in the tradition. It grew over the years, eventually becoming a not-for-profit art organization that now produces the largest celebration of its kind in the world.
The parade queues up at 6th Avenue, south of Spring and North of Canal, between 6:30-8 pm. The parade begins at 7 pm, but takes about two hours to fully leave the staging queue. The parade route proceeds up 6th from Spring to 15th Street (about a mile), economic woes cutting the parade shorter than its previous stop at 21st. Over 60,000 participants are expected to join in the festivities which will feature costumed revelers, puppets, stilt walkers, jugglers, various street performers bands, dancers and artists. This is a participatory community event and anyone in costumed is invited to join in.
Don’t even think about driving to the Parade; take the subway. The streets are most crowded between Bleecker and 14th Street; so if that’s the viewing spot you want, get there early. But there are lots of great viewing opportunities along the entire Parade route, so find a spot and settle in to enjoy.
Restaurants and bars in the parade area will be packed, and it will most likely be impossible to get a table. If you want to make a night of it, plan on catching a late dinner somewhere away from the parade route.
If you choose not to make the parade in person, it can be viewed on WPIX Channel 11, 7-10 pm, and NY1, 8-9:30 pm.
Have a Happy Halloween!
Photo credit: Yuko Chan via flickr
