As the smell of turkey fills the air and families gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, one of the most iconic traditions of the day is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This spectacular event, watched by millions across the nation, has become as synonymous with the holiday as pumpkin pie and family gatherings. Whether you’re watching it on TV with a cup of coffee in hand or catching it in person, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a highlight of the holiday season.
A Brief History of the Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade first began in 1924, making this year its 100th anniversary! Originally, it was a small event featuring employees of Macy’s dressed as clowns and animals, but it quickly grew into the massive event we know today. The parade started in New York City, stretching along 6th Avenue, and ended with a celebration at Macy’s flagship store.
Over the years, it has evolved into an enormous, colorful celebration, featuring spectacular floats, giant character balloons, musical performances, and marching bands from all over the country.
The Giant Balloons: A Parade Highlight
Perhaps the most iconic part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is its giant character balloons. These larger-than-life creations are inflated days before the parade and float through the streets of Manhattan, captivating crowds of all ages. Some of the most famous balloons over the years have included beloved characters like Snoopy, Spider-Man, Pikachu, and Baby Yoda from The Mandalorian.
Did you know? The first giant balloon in the parade was Felix the Cat in 1927. It was made of rubber and cloth, but today’s balloons are created with durable materials and can be as large as 50 feet long!
The Performances and Marching Bands
Another highlight of the parade is the incredible performances that take place along the route. Broadway musicals often showcase numbers from their current shows, and talented choirs and marching bands from schools around the country participate, spreading holiday cheer.
If you’re a fan of musical theater, the parade is the perfect opportunity to get a sneak peek at the latest Broadway hits, performed by the casts of shows like The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked.
Fun Facts About the Parade
- The Balloons Take Practice: The giant balloons are inflated the night before the parade, and a team of volunteers has to practice handling them for weeks to ensure they stay on course!
- A Long Journey: The parade route is over 2.5 miles long, starting at 77th Street and Central Park West, winding down to Herald Square at 34th Street.
- No Snow Days: Despite the chilly temperatures or rain that might threaten, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade never cancels. It’s a rain-or-shine tradition!
Celebrate the Parade with the Library
Even if you can’t be in New York City to experience the magic of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in person, you can still be part of the fun from home. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, here are some suggestions:
- Macy’s Parade History Books: Explore the history of the parade with books like Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade by Robert M. Grippo, or Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet.
- Watch the Parade: Tune in to the parade, broadcast live on NBC, and enjoy the fun from the comfort of your couch. And don’t forget to grab a good book after it’s over!
Join the Parade Spirit!
This Thanksgiving, whether you’re watching the Macy’s Parade on TV or just waiting for football to start, we hope you enjoy the magic, wonder, and joy this holiday tradition brings. We’re thankful for our community and the shared celebrations that make this time of year so special.
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at the Community Library of Allegheny Valley!
