New Yorkers welcomed back the Easter parade and bonnet festival

With the chimes of the bells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral welcomed parishioners visiting near and far for Easter Sunday service.

“Our plans are to go and celebrate the lord Jesus Christ his resurrection,” said Wendy Hannah visiting with her son and daughter-in-law.

Attendees formed a line outside the church for morning mass, some wearing masks, others choosing not to. They weren’t required but encouraged unless not fully vaccinated. Cardinal Timothy Dolan led the service.

“It was touching and meaningful being here on Easter Sunday so I really enjoyed it,” said Alanna Oddoye while leaving the cathedral. She’s visiting from Canada.

After the sermon with a sprinkle of holy water, many joined crowds gathered outside on 5th Avenue for the Easter bonnet festival — it’s the first return since COVID began.

“Sofia and I love to craft so the two of us got together and built our hats,” said Holly Puglia, attending the festival from Rhode Island.

The bonnet festival is deep in New York City tradition dating back to the 1870s. Attendees packed the streets donning hats from chic to elaborate.

For regular dog parents dressed up in matching outfits with their pups, this gathering is like a family reunion.

“We haven’t seen each other in almost two years because we couldn’t come out for the pandemic so this is a big thing for us — we’re like yay we’re back,” said Bobbi Mitchell.

Though there’s many standouts among the crowds, dog owners and their pups fashion are show stoppers.

“We’re wearing designs inspired by the spring time in Colombia in Medellin they were made specifically for us,” said Sergio Galdamez, who’s been attending the event for the past seven years.