Carriages, trolleys and wagons took to the streets of the historic French Quarter, New Orleans in the state of Louisiana, for the annual Gay Easter Parade. 

The event, now on its 16^th year, was led by grand marshals Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue. The two rode in separate carriages accompanied by their spouses. The celebration was for the benefit of the NO/AIDS Task Force's Food for Friends program. 

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The parade, which was the last event of the city's day-long Easter celebration, was participated in by some 29 carriages, two bands, seven walking groups and 10 vehicles.  Participants were clad in tuxedos, summer suits, and dresses matched with big Easter hats.

The parade route began at the entrance to Armstrong Park and passed through many popular gay bars in the neighborhood.  The parade highlighted the style and creativity of the French Quarter's gay community.

"All of the Gay Easter Parade participants will be attired in their Easter best: the gentlemen in hats and summer suits and the ladies in Easter dresses with hats," Passion said. "It's a chance to show another side of gay culture. It's a family-friendly parade. No nudity or partial nudity is allowed."

The participants paid a fee the join the parade.  The proceeds went to the Food for Friends campaign, a year-round program that provides food for the needy.  The Gay Easter Parade has raised a total of $202,000 in charity in its 16-year of existence.

Aside from the Gay Easter Parade,  there were other processions that rolled out in the streets of the French Quarter.  The Historic French Quarter Parade, which was seen every year since 1956, featured about 40 women dressed in their finest.  The tradition was started by Germaine Wells, daughter of Arnaud's restaurant founder Count Arnaud.

Another parade worth seeing was the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade.  Grand Duchess Chris Owens led her procession of flowery floats and bands along Bourbon Street.

Tagsgay easter parade, easter sunday, New Orleans, french quarter, Louisiana, johhny passion, deja deja-vue