A sure sign the holidays are around the corner. As the calendar flips to November — Cardinal Dolan blesses the animals that will appear in the annual Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. NY1's Rocco Vertuccio reports.
It's not every day live animals are walking in Midtown — or anywhere in the city for that matter.
"It's wild," said one tourist. "It's real unusual. You don't usually see them except for the horses."
There were lots of 'oohs and ahhs' from tourists and New Yorkers Tuesday morning when they spotted an animal caravan outside Radio City.
Three camels, two sheep and a donkey arrived at Radio City for the first day of rehearsals for the Rockettes' annual Christmas Spectacular.
"The show is fun for every one of all ages," said Radio City Rockette Christine Sienicki. "It really brings you into the Christmas spirit."
The animals will make up the Living Nativity scene in the show. It's been a part of the Christmas Spectacular since it started in 1933.
"It is absolutely such a joy and so wonderful to share the iconic Radio City Music Hall stage with the live animals," said Rockette Lauren Renck.
Before they got to work the animals got a special blessing from Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Complete with Holy Water from St Patrick's Cathedral.
We spoke with the Cardinal about the importance of including an iconic symbol of Christianity and Christmas, the Nativity scene, in a show seen by people from all over the world and of all different faiths.
"That's what this show is all about," Dolan said. "It's uplifting it's inspirational it brings about a sense of joy and peace and focus. That's the Christmas message."
Next up for the animals and the Rockettes tech and dress rehearsals before opening day on November 11. The show runs through January 2.
For more information head to rockettes.com.