The Easter Parade is a New York phenomenon that dates back to the middle of the 1800s. The social elite would attend services at one of the fashionable 5th Avenue churches, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral, and parade down the Avenue afterwards to give onlookers - and each other - a chance to view their new Easter hats and dresses. The flamboyant headgear and costumes are paraded down 5th Avenue to the delight of onlookers.