This year, the 32nd annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade has finally returned. And with it, people brought out their best, vying for the coveted Best in Show prize.
For over 30 years, The Halloween Dog Parade has been an occasion for all New Yorkers. Located in the city’s East Village, the parade is a dog lover’s buffet. Every year, hundreds of dogs are dressed up to compete for a variety of prizes across 10 different categories — including a Chihuahua-specific category: Chi-lloween. In the process, dogs and their parents not only celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year; they also raise money for the Tompkins Square dog run, the oldest in the city.
A Triumphant Return
In 2020, COVID lockdowns canceled the parade. And last year, the event was held in New York City’s East River Park, reports the Washington Post. However, the costumes at this year’s parade were enough to wipe away the hard memories of the past two years. Not surprisingly, dogs were dressed to impress this weekend.
Some of the more memorable costumes included a small Chihuahua dressed as Jesus, a Paddington-themed Pug, a terrier dressed as the Demogorgon from Stranger Things, and a Bichon named Mimi whose bodega cat costume stole the show.
The winner of this year’s parade was a small black Pug dressed as a spotted lanternfly. The dog’s parents each dressed up as a Converse Chuck Taylor, representing the need to squash the invasive species.
Whether you like to dress up or not, anyone who loves dogs can appreciate these photos of all the dogs in their hilarious costumes, many of them handmade.
