JANUARY
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Mid-January
Celebrating Dr King's contribution to civil rights, the parade covers 5th Ave from 66th to 86th sts. It also pays tribute to African-Americans who have served in the US military tel 212/374-5176.
Chinese New Year and Parade
First full moon between Jan 21 and Feb 19
A noisy, colorful occasion celebrated from noon to sunset around Mott St. Though dragons still dance in the street, firecrackers no longer chase away evil spirits because former Mayor Giuliani banned them for most events. The chances of getting a meal anywhere in Chinatown at this time are slim; tel 212/431-9740.
MARCH
St Patrick's Day Parade
March 17
Celebrating an impromptu march through the streets by Irish militiamen on St Patrick's Day in 1762, this has become a draw for every Irish band and organization in the US and Ireland. Usually starting just before noon, it heads up 5th Ave between 44th and 86th Streets Phone: 212/484-1222.
Greek Independence Day Parade
Late March
Not as long or as boozy as St Pat's, more a patriotic nod to the old country from floats of pseudo-classically dressed Hellenes. When Independence Day falls in the Orthodox Lent, the parade is shifted to April or May. It usually kicks off from 62nd St and 5th Ave to 79th St tel 718/204-6500.
APRIL
Easter Parade
Easter Sun
From Central Park down to Rockefeller Center on 50th St, New Yorkers dress up in outrageous Easter bonnets. 10am-5pm. There's also an Eggstravaganza, a children's festival including an egg-rolling contest in Central Park, on the Great Lawn.
MAY
Cuban Day Parade
First Sunday
6th Avenue from 44th Street to Central Park South
More info: 212 348 8270.
Over half a million people line the streets to cheer on a lively carnival-style parade.
Cinco de Mayo Parade
Weekend near May 5th
The Cinco de Mayo Parade is an amazing celebration of music, dance and culture of the Mexico.
Martin Luther King/ 369th Regiment Parade
Third Sunday in May, noon
A procession along 5th Ave from 61st to 86th Sts
More info: 212-397-8222
Celebrate a great man with a message of hope and unity for all god's children. The 369th, composed of African-Americans, was the first American regiment to reach the Rhine.
JUNE
Puerto Rican Day Parade
Second Sun
The largest of several Puerto Rican celebrations in the city, seven hours of bands and baton-twirling from 44th to 86th sts on 5th Ave, then east to 3rd Ave tel 718/401-0404,
Mermaid Parade
First Sat after June 21
At this hilarious event, participants dress like mermaids and King Neptune and saunter down the Coney Island boardwalk, after which everyone throws fruit into the sea. If you're around - don't miss it tel 718/392-1267.
Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade
Late June
The world's biggest Pride event kicks off with a rally and ends with a parade, street fair and dance tel 212/807-7433.
JULY
Fourth of July Celebrations
Including the Macy's Fireworks and other holiday activities.
AUGUST
Harlem Month
Harlem Day on the third Sun
The month-long celebration of African, Caribbean and Latin culture includes a festival, a fashion parade, the Black Film Festival and the Taste of Harlem
SEPTEMBER
West Indian-American Day Parade
Labor Day
Brooklyn's largest parade, modeled after the carnivals of Trinidad and Tobago, features music, food and dance. Tel 718/774-8807 or 212/484-1222.
Broadway on Broadway
Sun after Labor Day
Free performances feature songs by casts of virtually every Broadway musical, culminating in a shower of confetti; held in Times Square
African-American Day Parade
Late Sept
Runs from 111th St and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd to 142nd St, then east toward 5th Ave, Harlem tel 212/862-7200.
OCTOBER
Columbus Day Parade
On or around Oct 12
One of the city's largest binges pays tribute to the city's Italian heritage and commemorates the day America was put on the map; 5th Ave from 44th to 79th sts tel 212/249-2360.
Greenwich Village Halloween Parade
Oct 31
In the 7pm procession on 6th Ave from Spring to 23rd sts you'll see spectacular costumes, wigs and make-up. The music is great and the spirit is wild and gay. Get there early for a good viewing spot tel 212/475-3333 ext 4044, www.halloween-nyc.com .
NOVEMBER
Veteran's Day Parade
Nov 11
The United War Veterans sponsor this annual event on 5th Ave from 39th to 23rd sts tel 212/693-1475.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Thanksgiving Day
New York's most televised parade, with floats, dozens of marching bands from around the country, the Rockettes, and Santa Claus's first appearance of the season. More than two million spectators watch it from 77th St down Central Park W to Columbus Circle, then down Broadway to Herald Square, 9am-noon tel 212/494-4495, www.macysparade.com.
