Walking south from 86th on 5th Ave, something seemed odd: Bootyshaker Basin — appropriately located in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art — was missing its bootyshakers. Cops blanketed the museum’s steps; no trademark freaking to be seen. Moving south, it became clear that the tenor of the day was, perhaps, a bit less flirtatious than that of years past:

Not a happy woman…

and then an innocent sociopolitical debate turned nasty; out of frame, some young guy cold-clocked another grrrl and everyone went “aaaaahhhhhh” and started pushing each other. It was great fun…

…until the cops came and ruined it for everyone…

A peaceful procession resumes:

DEES EES NO CAHNIVAL! HOO LET YA EEN??

Creeeeeepy:

All in all, the standard hot vibe, a disappointing freakage level, mediocre pics, and many men (and women) with whom you would not want to engage in argument. 51 weeks till next year…7.5 platanos out of 10.





