Of course, it's all in the bag!

On March 31, 2024, a bright and, as always, interesting parade took place in Manhattan on 5th Avenue. We live in a wonderful city where they help preserve the religious traditions of various population groups. Easter is celebrated both Catholic and Christian.
 
The parade began as a walk after holiday church services, turning into a fashionable promenade. Attractive headdresses were invented and brought to life by New Yorkers and guests of the city for the Easter season. They created hats for themselves and even for their pets.
By tradition, the New York Easter Bonnet Parade has been held since the 1870s, i.e. for almost 154 years. People love spectacular and free outdoor events in downtown New York, so it was fun, big and crowded. Traditionally, participants dress in bright and elegant clothes and come up with headdresses that you can’t take your eyes off: with flowers, feathers, rhinestones, in the form of baskets with eggs, etc.
When I arrived in New York 29 years ago, I was surprised that people didn't wear hats in the winter, and during my studies at NYANE and later at NYU, some people complained of headaches and facial pain, not realizing that the facial nerve was sensitive to the cold. Gradually I began to get used to American traditions, but I still see few hats, and if someone wears them, it causes surprise among some, and admiration among others. Personally, I love hats very much and wear my cap with pleasure.
There are designers in our community who make museum-quality hats and periodically put on shows of models wearing hats, and I have witnessed such amazing shows. I never cease to admire Anna Malkina, a board member of the American Association of Disabled and Veterans, who is not only the keeper of the history of our immigration veterans, but also organizes great events and designs outfits and hats for her stage characters. Bravo, Anechka!
So, back to the hat parade. Only once a year, on Easter Day, many in our city go out to 5th Avenue for a walk in hats. People look at and photograph hats with pleasure, and in their hearts they admire or are perplexed.
“Happy Easter!” is heard everywhere. Strangers congratulate each other and examine the hat as if it were a portrait of the person who created the work of art.
Marina Lagunova