Dog parade in costumes for Halloween takes place in New York

New York, Tue, October 22, 2024 - 04:45

Pets are dressed in various costumes (screenshot / TikTok)

On October 19, New York hosted the 34th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Thousands of visitors, dressed in costumes alongside their pets, gathered in East Village Park.

Here are the best photos of the four-legged friends' costumes from the festival in New York.

Festival's history

The first parade with pets took place in 1990, following the renovation of Tompkins Square Park. As the festival organizers note, the founders aimed to create a safe space for dog walking amidst the bustling life of New York City.

According to the Parks Department's stipulation, the festival had to be funded by the community rather than the city. Dog owners, who tirelessly fought to make the pet event a reality, found the necessary funds and volunteers.

Since then, the park has become the annual venue for the costumed dog parade.

The event provides an opportunity for pet owners to showcase their imagination and creativity: some coordinate stylish looks for the whole family, while others sew fantastic costumes for their furry friends by hand.

How the dog festival took place in 2024 (screenshot / TikTok)

As noted by the festival's lead volunteer, Joseph Borduin, this year's costumed dog parade was the largest in the event's history. However, no prizes for the best costume were awarded - this time, participants were celebrated solely with applause.

Dog owners went all out with their outfits - fluffy models strutted their stuff in costumes representing food, mythical creatures, and characters from iconic films and TV shows. There were also portrayals of celebrities and even animals from popular memes.

Dog costumes for the parade (screenshot / TikTok)

Significance of the festival for the residents

Every year, this grand event brings together not only dog owners but also other New Yorkers who eagerly take photos of the furry participants. After all, the costumes of these pets are sure to bring a smile.

According to Tyrell Gibbs, a parade volunteer, dogs are emotional companions that make life in New York more manageable and stable. That’s why this day holds special significance for pet owners.