53rd Village Halloween Parade Returns to NYC Saturday

New York City's Village Halloween Parade returns Saturday, with thousands expected to pack the streets of downtown Manhattan for the 53rd annual event. The parade steps off at 7 p.m. under the theme "Body and Soul," celebrating the connection between the skeleton, imagination, and dance.

The route runs up Sixth Avenue from King Street to West 15th Street, with the densest crowds expected between Bleecker and 14th Street. A perennial crowd favourite is the "Thriller" sequence, in which a large troop of dancers transforms into zombies to perform the choreography of Michael Jackson's famous music video.

The event is free to watch, and anyone in a costume is welcome to join the march. Participants should line up at the corner of Canal and Sixth Avenue between 6:30 and 9 p.m. Those approaching from the east or south should use Sullivan, East Broome, and Canal Streets; those coming from the west should enter via Canal Street only. Organizers also suggest meeting friends a block or two away from the route, as the start area can get congested.

The city's Department of Transportation has put extensive street closures in place for the event. The formation area covers Sixth Avenue between Spring and Canal Streets and several surrounding blocks. The parade route closure runs along Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to West 18th Street. Dispersal zones are in place on West 16th through 18th Streets between Fifth and Seventh Avenues, and along Fifth and Seventh Avenues between 14th and 19th Streets. Organizers recommend taking the subway or bus to the parade.