By Lucy Komisar
Nov 1, 2024
It was glorious in New York for the Halloween Parade, temperature in the 70s. And here’s what I loved, some politics, some immigrant culture (if I can say “immigrant”), music and dancing. And always great puppets, as you recall that’s how it started in 1974 by puppeteer Ralph Lee.
This year’s theme was “Meow.” The parade website says: “It’s time we stand up, hiss back, and let the world know that cat ladies of every kind are here to stay. We’re making a statement that we’re not going anywhere—cat ladies are here to stay!”
Jeanne Fleming, director of the parade, told media she picked the theme after JD Vance made a reference to the Democratic party being run by “childless cat ladies.” A veiled political attack does not belong as a theme of this event. Individuals should be free to express politics, but not the parade organizer. Though there were some fine cat puppets!
On the other hand, this “Meow for Gaza” was appropriate, and if we are bringing in politics, one could add that Harris supports U.S. sending arms to enable the Israeli genocide in Gaza. I noticed no pro-Palestinian marchers, no flags or Keffiyehs. Nor any pro-Israeli marchers. (Disinterest? Fear? Or have systemic government and institutional attacks on free speech taken their toll?)
Don’t know what these UN troops were doing, certainly not protecting Palestinians. Look like zombies.
To sum that up, Make Art Not War. It should be the theme of the next parade. Organizers, get some courage!
Of course if the government loots the country for war, it can’t pay for affordable housing.
The absolutely best costume-combo was a Mexican stopped by a U.S. sheriff as he tries to get over the border. Brilliant!
About Mexico, there were many Mexican Day of the Dead ladies.
And more immigrant culture, Japanese dancers and a Samba parade. Then a Chinese dragon. And ??. Is this from a Harry Potter film?
The Grand Marshal was Broadway theater performer André De Shields, terrific in “Hadestown.” Now the parade has gotten more commercial, with floats loudly miking performers. (They did not pay to get in the parade.) Fine that Spectrum/NY1 promoted Bob Marley, who I admire for his political songs.
But I was annoyed that Spectrum/NY1 closed off the empty West 10th Street I always use to cross the chain fence opening to the parade. Apparently non-NY1 credentialed press are not as important as the corporate variety. Dear Parade Manager, do not allow this next year.
Let’s add “Zohra,” the famous Jefferson Market Library puppet spider!
All photos by Lucy Komisar.
Halloween Parade, NYC, Oct 31, 2024. Runs from Canal Street up Sixth Avenue to 15th Street. Starts at 7pm, gets to the library at West 10th Street at 8pm. Good place to watch because TV lights brighten the street, though below Bleecker is less crowded. Ends around 11pm. (I saw first half!)