Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2022 New York City (52522832206)

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event presented by the U.S.-based department store chain Macy's. The parade has been held in New York City since 1924 and is one of the largest and most famous Thanksgiving parades in the United States. It typically takes place on Thanksgiving Day, starting in the morning and lasting for several hours. The parade features large balloons, floats, marching bands, performers, and celebrity appearances, drawing millions of spectators both in person and via television broadcasts.

History

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade originated in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States alongside America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. Initially, it was called the Macy's Christmas Parade, intended to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. Many of the employees who participated in the first parade were first-generation immigrants who wanted to celebrate their new American heritage with a festival similar to those in Europe.

In the early years, the parade featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo, but by 1927, these were replaced with large animal-shaped balloons, which have since become a hallmark of the parade. The first character balloon, Felix the Cat, made its debut in 1927.

Route

The parade route has changed several times over its history. As of the last update, it starts at 77th Street and Central Park West, proceeds down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, turns onto Central Park South, and then goes down 6th Avenue to 34th Street, ending outside Macy's Herald Square. The route offers various viewing points for the public along the streets of Manhattan.

Balloons and Floats

A significant attraction of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is its giant helium balloons, which include popular characters from comics, films, and television. Over the years, characters like Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, and Spider-Man have been featured. The balloons are designed and built by the Macy's Parade Studio and require dozens of handlers to manage them during the parade.

Floats are another parade highlight, showcasing a wide range of themes, from popular children's characters to historical events. These elaborate creations are accompanied by performers, bands, and celebrities.

Performances and Bands

The parade also includes performances by Broadway musicals, high school and college marching bands from across the country, and cheerleading teams. These performances take place both on the parade route and in front of the Macy's store in Herald Square, where the parade concludes.

Television Broadcast

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been televised nationally on NBC since 1953, allowing millions of Americans to participate in the festivities from their homes. The broadcast includes live performances, celebrity appearances, and interviews, in addition to the parade itself.

Cultural Impact

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become an integral part of American Thanksgiving Day traditions, symbolizing the start of the holiday season. It has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, further cementing its place in American culture.

Safety and Incidents

Over the years, the parade has experienced various incidents and challenges, primarily due to the large balloons. High winds and bad weather have led to injuries and damages on occasion. As a result, safety measures and regulations concerning balloon size, weather conditions, and handling practices have been implemented to prevent accidents.

See Also

• Thanksgiving
• Parade
• Balloon (aeronautics)
• Float (parade)