While traveling abroad, have you ever had the pleasure of stumbling upon a unique cultural event unlike anything you’ve ever seen before? I have and these are some of my favorite memories from my travels. Yesterday, as I was watching the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade, not only did I enjoy the parade itself, but I also had the pleasure of witnessing foreign visitors to San Diego who had unexpectedly stumbled upon the Pet Parade. It was apparent by their huge smiles, jubilant voices (although I did not understand exactly what they were saying) and busy trigger fingers snapping away with their camera, that they thoroughly enjoyed this Gaslamp holiday tradition.

Yesterday’s Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade was the 4th annual and having been to previous years’ parades I can say it seems to be gaining in popularity. The turn-out yesterday was fantastic! Here’s a little clip to give you just a preview…

The group paraded down 5th and 4th Avenues finishing in the grassy area at 4th and K Streets next to the Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel. This is where awards were presented and where I caught up with a few of my favorites after the parade. It never ceases to amaze me that the dogs wear such fantastic holiday costumes and seem to enjoy doing it! I had as much fun watching all of it as my 2 ½ year-old son!

Today as we were cruising through the streets of Gaslamp my 2 ½ year-old-son asked, “Where did all the dogs with clothes go?” I explained that they are back at their homes and that we will have to wait until next year to enjoy this holiday tradition again.