Fifth Avenue was packed surrounding St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan on Easter Sunday, with lines forming early to get into Mass.

Parishioner and city native Sal Fragapane says he is drawn to St. Patrick’s because of its sense of community.


What You Need To Know

  • Cardinal Timothy Dolan held Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Easter Sunday

  • Long lines formed early Sunday morning to get into Mass

  • People also gathered on Fifth Avenue for an Easter parade

“It’s a very moving church and if you are here alone, you are not alone at St. Pat’s,” Fragapane said.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan led the main service on Sunday, focusing on a renewed message of hope.

“This is an amazing church and we wanted to come as a family for Easter Sunday,” Travis Pelleymounter from Tampa said.

But Easter traditions in the city would not be complete without people donning unique bonnets.

“I think that people enjoy working on fancy, fun headpieces and they want to come out and show their work,” Evetta Petty, the owner of Harlem’s Heaven Hats, said. “Since I am a milliner [and make hats], it’s sort of my holiday.”

Kerry Tobin, who wore a big bonnet Sunday, was inspired by marshmallow Peeps.

“They have a contest in my hometown in New Jersey and I knew this year, I wanted to come here,” Tobin said.

The following streets near St. Patrick’s were closed for Easter Sunday Mass, according to the NYPD.

  • Fifth Avenue between 47th Street and 52nd Street
  • East 50th Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue
  • East 51st Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue