Every year on the anniversary of Gladys Ricart's death, women in wedding gowns and men in black set off from Washington Heights carrying photos of people lost to intimate partner violence. Ricart was killed by an abusive ex on her 1999 wedding day, and the march begun in 2001 is now an international movement led by her family and survivors. If you want to show up for uptown neighbors, this is the weekend's most powerful walk.
What to expect
The day opens with a gathering and remarks at Holyrood Episcopal Church on West 179th Street, where many marchers bring pictures of loved ones they are honoring. Marchers then head out along Broadway in gowns, white and black clothing, chanting in Spanish and English; past routes have crossed into the Bronx and Harlem.
Good to know
- Take the 1 or A train to 181 St; the church is between Broadway and Fort Washington Avenue.
- Organizers ask women and non-binary marchers to wear a wedding dress or all white, and men to wear all black.
- Bring a photo of anyone you want to honor; organizers have encouraged groups of family, friends and coworkers to walk together.
- It's a long walk, so wear comfortable shoes under the gown and bring water.
- It's a memorial as much as a march: expect an emotional, bilingual crowd rather than a festive parade.
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Common questions
Why do people wear wedding dresses?
Gladys Ricart was murdered in her wedding gown on the day she was to marry. The dresses honor her and are meant to make passersby stop and start a conversation about domestic violence.
Can anyone join the Brides' March?
Yes. It is open to survivors, families and allies. Organizers ask women to wear white or a wedding dress and men to wear black, and they encourage registering ahead through the march organizers.
Who started the march?
It was conceived by Josie Ashton, a young Dominican woman from Florida, and first held in 2001. It is now led by the Ricart family, survivors and community allies.
