The Easter parade is associated with people walking on the
main avenue of town, showing off their new clothes. This modern
tradition has faded in recent years, but was at a peak back in
the 1890s.

There are many theories on the origin of this tradition. None can
be proven with certainty. Here are some of the more popular
explanations . .

In Medieval times there was a ball game connected with a dance in
which even bishops and abbots took part. The dance was performed in
the churches to the strains of the "Victimae paschali". This game
of ball was also a favorite Easter sport in England in which the
municipal corporation took part in a parade.

Another theory is that the Easter Parade started out as plays which
were performed with silent scenes, with actors posing on a wagon –
similar to our modern parade floats.

A more likely explanation relates to the fact that newly converted
Christians were baptized on Easter. After the church ceremony they
would march around the village plaza in their new white clothes,
which were symbols of their baptism. Here the converts would greet
the citizens of the town on Easter morning.