NYC culture

When the weather is nice, my wife, dog and I will go to Central Park at least once a week.  Over the last few weeks, there were a few events that affected our visits.

Puerto Rican Day Parade
This ran along 5th Avenue.  When there were breaks in the parade, pedestrians were able to cross the avenue to enter or exit the park.  We were able to enter at 72nd street without much delay.  However, when we entered the park, we found that the walkways were very congested and the normal access areas (lawns, the mall, sheep's meadow) were all blocked off.  I'm not sure if there was another access point, but a police officer told us that there was no access to our normal walking and relaxing areas, so we just left the park.  I'm not sure if restriction of park areas was related to the parade, but it ruined our visit nonetheless.

Conclusion: Unless you want to see the Puerto Rican Day parade, avoid 5th avenue, the east side and central park on this day.

Israel Day
Similar to the Puerto Rican Day Parade, there was a parade that ran along fifth avenue.  We crossed and entered the park without much delay on 72nd street.  Most of the park functioned just like any other day, except that an area near the Mall (just above the fountain) was closed off.  The only people who seemed to be allowed in were those who participated in the parade.  We didn't really ask how we might gain access, so we just walked around the restricted areas.  On this day, there were also protestors.  Because of the restricted areas with selective access, the protestors, Israel's history with terrorism, and the recent Boston marathon bombings, I couldn't help but feel a bit of tension in the park.

Conclusion: Similar to the Puerto Rican Day parade, avoid this parade and its activities unless you are sure you will participate and be allowed in to all of the restricted areas.

Japan Day
Unlike the parades, no roadways are blocked off for this event.  Instead, you will find Japanese volunteers scattered around the park advising visitors on where the events are.  Near the volleyball courts and the Mall, there is a large number of stands where the Japan day events are being held.  I think there was an origami stand and another place where you can try on kimonos.  You will also find lots of free Japanese food and drinks.  Also, there is a stage where you will see Japanese performers.

Conclusion:  Although it is crowded, this is the best of the events.  You might learn something, nothing is blocked off, and there will be lots of free stuff.