Every Halloween night, New York City’s Greenwich Village transforms into a chillingly delightful scene straight out of a horror flick. Amid the costumed revelry of the Village Halloween Parade, a mob of zombies assembles. But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill undead. They’ve come for one purpose only: to perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance down Sixth Avenue, captivating onlookers with every iconic shoulder twitch and monster growl.
The Thriller Parade—now a cornerstone of the larger Village Halloween Parade—started in 2004 when ThrillerNYC, a volunteer group of die-hard “Thriller” fans, first brought the dance to the streets. “It’s become this incredible tradition,” says Jorge Escobar, one of the event’s longtime coordinators, “a way for people to come together, no matter their backgrounds, just to celebrate and have fun.” Escobar, along with his husband Todd Senzon, have been affectionately dubbed the “zombie papas” by fans and participants, a nod to the couple’s tireless dedication to organizing and leading the performance .
A Community of Zombies with a Purpose
The group’s spirit is as infectious as the “Thriller” beat itself. This year, the ThrillerNYC troupe celebrated 20 years of undead dance moves, with a mix of veterans and “newbies” alike—participants who range from professional dancers to first-timers eager to check it off their bucket lists. With some participants traveling from as far as Europe, it’s clear the event has global appeal. Registration for the parade slots is notoriously competitive; according to one participant, tickets sold out this year in under two minutes.
The appeal is about more than just the dance, though. For participants, it’s a bonding experience that brings them back year after year. Vanessa Velazquez, a five-time “Thriller” dancer, puts it best: “You look forward to seeing the same people every year. New York gets into it, so you can’t help but feel that energy.” It’s a rare moment when tourists, locals, and performers all mingle under the same spell of the King of Pop .
The Preparation: Makeup, Rehearsals, and Stamina
Becoming a zombie isn’t as easy as it looks. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, ThrillerNYC holds intense rehearsals, covering not only dance moves but also zombie-esque makeup tips and wardrobe advice. “Every dancer has to look the part,” says Escobar, adding that the group even has zombie “bouncers” who guard the dancers from over-eager spectators (and possibly save a few from being devoured). Rehearsals are held both indoors and out, ensuring the troupe is prepared to perform up to 30 renditions of the dance during the parade, should the music repeat or the float speed ahead.
With a soundtrack booming from the float, the dance takes on a life of its own, mesmerizing thousands who crowd Sixth Avenue to witness the spectacle. The energy of New Yorkers fuels the zombies just as much as the music. Elizabeth Gonzalez, a first-time dancer, described the feeling: “I want the crowd to be as excited as we are. I hope they feel that energy.” And judging by the cheers that ripple through the crowd every year, they certainly do .
Tips for Getting the Best View
For the uninitiated, experiencing the Thriller Parade up close requires a bit of strategy. The parade officially kicks off at 7 p.m., beginning on Spring Street and making its way up Sixth Avenue to 15th Street. NY1 broadcasts the event live, but there’s nothing like seeing it in person. Arrive early for a spot near the front, bring a camera, and get ready to join in with a little shoulder shimmy yourself—you never know when the spirit might possess you to dance.
Why It’s More than Just a Dance
The Thriller Parade is more than a tribute to Michael Jackson; it’s a phenomenon that captures the spirit of Halloween in New York City. “This dance brings people together,” says Escobar. “Your parents know it, your grandparents know it—it’s relatable and unites people.” Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, the parade has an energy that gets into your bones, figuratively… and perhaps literally, if you’re dressed like a zombie.
So, if you’re looking for a Halloween experience that combines nostalgia, choreography, and the thrill of community, make sure you’re in New York for the next Thriller Parade. After all, there are few places in the world where zombies dance quite like this.