MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11) — An annual tradition unlike any other drenched Manhattan streets in vibrant colors on Sunday.
The Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival took over Midtown as part of the colorful march down Fifth Avenue to mark Easter.
The free-admission parade and festival only asks for one thing: for everyone involved to sport their boldest and strangest hats.
The tradition began over two centuries ago in the 1870s, immortalized by songwriter Irving Berlin, whose music makes up a large portion of the Great American Songbook.
The parade ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with festivities kicking off on Fifth Avenue and 49th Street and making its way up to 57th Street.
If you couldn’t make it to join in on the celebration, below are some of the best photos from the 2026 edition of the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
Stanley and his cats Picco and Dale take part in the Easter Bonnet Parade on Fifth Avenue, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Chihuahua dogs named April Moon and Bianca wear hats during the Easter Bonnet Parade on Fifth Avenue, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
Phil Labossiere and Reed Evins arrive for the Easter Bonnet Parade on Fifth Avenue, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Gray)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Participants pose during the New York City Easter Bonnet Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Craig T Fruchtman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Parade participants in costume attend the 2026 New York City Easter Bonnet Parade on April 05, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
To see the sights and sounds from Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Easter Sunday, click here.
Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.
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