Greenwich Village

In Real Life

Greenwich Village, also known simply as 'The Village' is completely different to anywhere else within Manhattan. Where Midtown and the upper side of the island is conservative, the village is certainly the most fun place to be. Boutiques line the streets - things as simple as nightclubs and bars, to fetish, record, and tattoo/piercing parlors. There seems to be a community of the bizarre down in the village, as far as people go.

Unfortunately, within recent years, the goth and punk scene within the village has died down substantially. One used to be able to walk down the street and see mohawks and fangs being flashed everywhere, which is a rare sight now.

A notable area within the village is St. Mark's Place. It was the one of the birthplaces of mainstream graffiti art in early years, but now it has turned into a haven for lost teenage souls who have no home to go to.

Most of the teenagers roam in packs and sleep within the Square. Most people leave them alone, and even offer them money, as they have unfortunately become a standard within the last 10-15 years. Most of the teenagers are also decent youths who grew up in violent households and needed to get away, but have nowhere to turn to. Many are willing to tell you their stories if you are willing to sit down and listen. Surprisingly, the youths are well natured (most of them), and are just looking for help.

Events

The village is known for two events that are held every year. One being the Gay Pride Parade, where thousands line the streets and show their support for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) rights. This parade has been a staple within the village for 15 ongoing years.

Unfortunately though, the area where the parade used to be held in is now an area that is no longer safe to hold the parade, and as of March, 2007, the mayor of NYC denied giving the parade a permit to be held on new grounds. This may be the first year since its start 15 years ago that the parade may be canceled completely.

Another event is the Greenwich Village Halloween parade, which has millions of spectators every Halloween eve. The parade has grown tenfold in recent years, which features floats, large puppets, and people walking down the streets dressed in some of the most bizarre costumes you will ever encounter. To many, it is not just a parade, but a walking party.

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