NEW YORK − This Saturday, a massive crowd gathered on Avenue A in the East Village to admire a lively assortment of dressed-up pets during the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.

Locals enjoyed the city’s unique dog culture while laughing at the humorous costumes inspired by politics, entertainment, and New York life.

“I can’t believe how imaginative people are,” remarked Madison Uram, 28, a consultant who experienced the parade for the first time.

Now celebrating its 34th year, this parade has become a highlight for dog owners in New York City eager to showcase their beloved pets, with many purebreds flaunting custom, elaborate outfits that often match their owners.

This community-driven event is organized by volunteers and takes its name from the Lower East Side park, a historic location for dog activity.

According to Joseph Borduin, 47, the lead volunteer who has organized the parade for five years and contributed at the Tompkins Square dog park for seven, this year’s event was the largest ever. He mentioned that previous years had awards for the best costume, but this time, the volunteer team was too small to manage those awards.

In addition to the fun, dogs play a vital role as emotional support for many New Yorkers, noted Tyrell Gibbs, a seasoned dog walker who also lent a hand at this year’s parade.

“The close relationships formed in New York’s tight spaces are what it’s about,” Gibbs explained.

Parade showcases the NYC dog community

Whether on public transport, sidewalks, parks, or restaurants, dogs consistently bring joy to New Yorkers, stated Leah Tanner, who set up a promotional booth for the dog fashion brand Wild One, handing out treats and tennis balls along the parade route.

“We’ve wanted to be part of this parade for years; it’s a special time to celebrate being a pet owner in the city,” Tanner shared.

A lively array of pups strutted their stuff in costumes inspired by beloved characters from TV shows and movies, as well as by pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX.

Others donned outfits that highlighted New York City, such as replicas of subway station designs, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the now-famous Bed-Stuy aquarium from TikTok.< /p>

One standout was a poodle called Peppa, dressed in a pasta-themed costume mocking a past claim by former president Donald Trump about immigrants allegedly consuming pets in a small Ohio town.

Elissa Desani and her pug, Harlequin La Rue, dressed as mermaids, soaking in the festive atmosphere on Saturday. Desani, who also takes part in Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade, stated that the day’s celebration was special as it honors both dogs and their owners.

“It’s all about her, but also for me, and it’s wonderful to engage with the community,” Desani said.

Hannah Mitchell decided to bring her new dog, Babka, to the parade for the first time this Saturday. She created his costume herself, using a Zabar’s deli bag filled with pastry-shaped dog toys, including a bagel and challah. Another first-time attendee, Karen Poeppel, who adopted her dog, Bentley, earlier this year, shared that she now has a variety of activities to enjoy with him.

“My friends were going, so I thought I would join them. We’re just here to have a good time,” Poeppel said, as she pointed to Bentley, who was outfitted as a construction worker wearing an orange vest.

Dogs of all sizes displayed exemplary behavior on Saturday afternoon, as crowds filled the streets, taking pictures with pups donning wigs, riding in wagons, and even one housed inside a crystal ball.

While police requested that onlookers make space for vehicles, and owners made quick adjustments to their pets’ costumes, many spectators crossed over metal barriers to join the parade an hour into the festivities. Volunteer organizers, unable to hold back the excitement, commented on the atmosphere.

“You can’t begin to understand the immense love there is for dogs in New York City,” Gibbs remarked.