Where did you get that hat?
The finest hats in New York City blossomed like spring flowers on Fifth Avenue in Midtown for the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on April 20.
Swarms of New Yorkers and tourists alike flocked to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where rabbit ears and Easter eggs were the accessories of choice.
Every year, this annual festivity turns 49th Street to 52nd Street into a runway for the most intricate and creative hats and outfits.
For the Trupiano family, who participate in the parade every year, it’s not just about the pageantry but the level of community involvement that makes it such a special event.
Christina Trupiano comes from a big family in New Orleans, where she says the Easter bonnet festivities are staple in her town. Since moving to the tri-state area, she decided to introduce her four-year-old daughter, Marion, to this tradition.
“This is my favorite thing, because I love the photos, and I like to dress up, and everyone just stands around taking pictures. It’s kind of cool. So when you come around here it’s like community,” said Trupianp. “It feels like New Yorkers coming out, and everyone is really complimentary, and everyone’s just celebrating each other getting dressed up and just being here, I love the energy.”
The family-friendly event welcomes children of all ages and even animals to take part in the fun. Whether it’s just posing for photos or creating their most elaborate hats, it’s a day for everyone to enjoy.
James Haggerty and his daughter Zoe take their outfits to a whole new level. For the last two years, they’ve focused on the theme of fast food.
Last year, the father-daughter duo wore a pizza hat and napkin holder, but this year, they embraced Chinese restaurants with a lo mein takeout container and fortune cookie bonnets.
“It’s really about honoring New York City spirit, the community. And we see that New Yorkers love creativity,” James Haggerty said. “It is a really great shared experience, where, through many Saturday nights, lots of laughter and a lot of takeout menus, we put these together.“
“It’s special for me because I I enjoy doing it with my dad. It’s like a daughter and father bonding time, and I enjoy doing it with him,” Zoe Haggerty added.
