Autumn Traditions in NYC

Autumn is probably the best time to go to NYC. You can still feel the heat of the summer, but not so much, and as the time passes you see the leaves change color and NYC then knows summer is truly over but holiday season is close.

During this time of the year there are several things you cannot miss, such as the ING NYC marathon, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Columbus Day Parade, Veteran Day parade, or again Baseball season.

Halloween

Halloween is a true symbol of autumn. It is a traditional holiday when kids go play “trick or treat” on the neighborhood. Adults also have their own parties as many clubs and bars throw special parties for this yearly event. Also in NYC, there is the famous Halloween Parade. It goes all the way up 6^th avenue, from the intersection with spring street, and goes north until 23^rd street. There are over 2 million people who attend this event each year, so yes this is a big deal here.

NYC Marathon

The ING NYC Marathon is probably the biggest race in the entire world with 45 103 finishers in 2010. You can see it pretty much anywhere in NYC: it starts on Staten Island and goes on to other cultural attractions in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Manhattan, crossing the five different bridges. This world-famous race ends at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Even if you don’t plan on running, it is something to see! It usually takes place at the beginning of November. This year, it will be on the 6^th of November.

Columbus Day Parade

Columbus Day celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in America, the 12th of October 1492. And in the US there is no better way to celebrate such thing than a parade entirely dedicated to this event, this one count over 35 000 participants. It always takes place on the second Monday of October and this year it will be on Monday 10th of October from t11:30 a.m. till 3 p.m., starting on Fifth Avenue at 44th Street and going north along Fifth Avenue to 79th Street.

Veteran Day Parade

There are many other parades in autumn in NYC such as Veteran Day Parade. Veteran day falls on November 11 as the day when the WWI Armistice was signed. This day is celebrated in most of the world and any country that participated in the war. In NYC it starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 2 p.m. It starts on Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street, and goes north along Fifth Avenue to 59th Street. It is not the most cheerful event you can attend but a true demonstration of respect et grief for those who fought in the worldwide conflict.

Baseball Season

Autumn is also symbol of the return of Baseball season! NYC has two teams: the worldwide known Yankees and the Mets. This sport is very important to most American citizen and you will see they get very passionate about it. I personally don’t understand all the rules, but the general aspect which is more than enough to have a great time. The atmosphere that overtakes the stadium is incredible and definitely overwhelming, but great.

Thanksgiving

Last but not least, Thanksgiving is for sure the most cheerful and celebrated event in the US, it is almost more important than Christmas. This event stands for the help the Native Americans for helping the Pilgrims of Plymouth colony, in Massachusetts, survive the winter of New England, which is why, nowadays, Americans are thankful at the time of the year. It is celebrated during the fourth Thursday of November. During this day people get together for a traditional meal. Restaurants usually serve this traditional dinner for the occasion and it is a great opportunity to take part of the well-known Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. This annual event has been taking place since 1924 with over 10 000 people participating, it will take place this year On November 24, 2011 at 9 a.m. This is possibly the most expected annual event in the US, so don’t miss it.

All these are true American traditions that reflect their culture and values. Going to NYC in autumn will surely show you what the American way of living is about and make the experience even more unforgettable.