Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual New York City parade that is part of the Thanksgiving Day celebrations. It started in 1924, and it has been televised nationally on NBC since 1953. The parade is held on Thanksgiving Day and features large balloons, floats, marching bands, and other performers. The parade is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City, with millions of people watching it live or on television each year.

History

The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in 1924. It was a small parade with only a few floats and marching bands. The parade was organized by Macy’s department store to promote its business. The parade was a success, and it has been held every year since then.

Parade route

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 77th Street and Central Park West. It travels down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, then turns south on Broadway. The parade ends at Macy’s Herald Square. The parade is about 2.5 miles long and takes about three hours to complete.

Balloons

One of the most famous features of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is its large balloons. The balloons are made of helium and can be up to 80 feet tall. The balloons are made by a company called Raven Aerostar. The balloons are inflated the night before the parade and are then towed through the streets of New York City by handlers.

Floats

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also features a number of floats. The floats are large, decorated platforms that are pulled by trucks. The floats are designed to represent popular culture, such as movies, television shows, and characters.

Marching bands

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also features a number of marching bands. The marching bands come from all over the United States and even from other countries. The marching bands play music as they march through the streets of New York City.

Other performers

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also features a number of other performers, such as clowns, acrobats, and dancers. The performers entertain the crowd as they march through the streets of New York City.

Santa Claus

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is always capped off by the arrival of Santa Claus. Santa Claus rides in his sleigh, which is pulled by reindeer. Santa Claus waves to the crowd as he passes by.

Impact

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved American tradition. It is a symbol of the holiday season and brings joy to millions of people each year. The parade is also a major economic generator for New York City.

Additional information

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the oldest and largest Thanksgiving parade in the United States.
The parade is televised in over 150 countries.
The parade costs about $10 million to produce.
The parade attracts over 3 million spectators each year.

Source Image – Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY, Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images