The fancy hats and finery were out and on display for New York City's annual Easter extravaganza. Participants in the annual Easter Parade made their way along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue on Sunday in a procession of the wild and whimsical.

The annual event is a New York City tradition that goes back well over a century, when the wealthy would get dressed in their best and go out for a stroll after Easter church services. These days, people wear a slew of outrageous hats, covered with flowers and feathers and everything in between. Some people dress their pets up as well.

The most well-known reference to the procession is the movie “Easter Parade” starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland.

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Dogs dressed in costumes participate in the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Veritiee Hill of New York City shows off her costume at the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York City. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

A pup and its owner dressed in costumes participate in the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, on Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Judy Gilmartin-Willsey, right, and her family bring the traditional style as they participate in the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, on Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Roddy Caravella of New York City looks sharp at the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Kathryn and Gabrielle pose for a photo to show off their beautiful bonnets at the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

A costumed participant marches during the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2019, in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

Participants wearing costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade

Sam and Mary Bishop of New York City wear costumes and hats attend the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on April 21, 2019 in New York. (Photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News)

 

 

PHOTOS: Bonnets, costumes on display in New York City's Easter Parade »