By Lucy Komisar

One of the few places in America where free speech is glorified (I didn’t see any ICE agents handcuffing marchers), this year’s Greenwich Village Halloween Parade still had only a handful of political themes compared to the past. A yellow-haired prison orange-suited Trump, a couple of blow-up dolls labeled Frog and Ampifa (a misspelling I am sure) and U.S.A. v Epstein (was that satiric?)

The parade started decades ago with puppets and they are still here.

There were big groups marching, dancing, playing music.

But individuals and small groups were most exciting as they show what people without organizations and money can do. Just couples or a few friends.

And individuals (plus a dog.)

This year the spider on the Jefferson Market Library climbed around the tower, courtesy of a puppeteer on a high balcony. Seems that every year the parade gets better. Kudos to Artistic and Producing Director Jeanne Fleming who was on the street watching over it all.

At home, I found doorman Tommy keeping the place secure from departing threat-costumed parade-goers. No, he doesn’t always dress that way!

Photos by Lucy Komisar.

For more and for information about next year, go to halloween.nyc.