The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a very important and highly anticipated event in New York. It attracts around four million spectators and more than half a million television viewers each year!
If you have the chance to participate, here is all the information to make the most of it 🙂 .
History of the Thanksgiving Parade
November 27, 1924 : date of the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The first edition of the parade included horse-drawn floats, Macy’s employees in costumes and even animals loaned for the occasion by the Central Park Zoo.
1927 : the first inflatable balloons appeared, replacing animals.
1931 : the balloons are inflated with helium.
from 1942 to 1944: The parade was suspended during World War II, due to shortages of rubber and helium, which were needed for the war effort.
[1945: after the end of the war, the parade resumed with even more fervor.
1960s: the parade is broadcast on national television, allowing a much wider audience to enjoy it. Over the years, the parade has become an iconic and one of the most beloved events in the United States. ©Macy’s, Inc. ©Macy’s, Inc.
When is the Thanksgiving Parade?
The parade takes place on Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November each year. This year, Thanksgiving falls on Thursday November 23, 2023.
What can you see during this parade?
The 4 km parade brings together more than 1,500 dancers, 1,000 clowns, high school and university marching bands, nearly 25 floats and more than 10,000 participants! So it’s an incredible spectacle, Macy’s presents it as the largest parade in the country !
Giant balloons
Perhaps the most iconic elements of the parade are the giant balloons that float above the streets of New York. These balloons represent cartoon and superhero characters. They are gigantic and can measure up to five stories high!
©Macy’s, Inc.
Decorated floats
It is Tom Turkey, the oldest float in the parade, which opens the procession. With his moving head, flashing eyes and flapping wings, he’s a fan favorite in the parade!
©Macy’s, Inc.
Every year, famous artists are invited to participate in the parade to dance, sing and wave to the crowd, like here Jimmy Fallon et Gloria Estefan in 2022.
©Macy’s, Inc.
©Macy’s, Inc.
The floats (chars) are decorated on specific themes and often sponsored: Disney, Kinder, Lego, Toys”R”Us, etc.
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©Macy’s, Inc.
©Macy’s, Inc.
©Macy’s, Inc.
But the highlight of the show is the arrival of Santa Claus himself 😉. It arrives last to symbolize the arrival of the holiday season in New York.
©Macy’s, Inc.
©Macy’s, Inc.
Brass bands, clowns, dancers, etc.
In addition to floats and balloons, clowns, dance groups, marching bands and musical theater performers (including the famous Rockettes) parade and set the mood.
©Macy’s, Inc.
©Macy’s, Inc.
©Macy’s, Inc.
What is the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade?
The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. at the corner of 77th Street and Central Park West, then down 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) to Herald Square.
– Official site : www.macys.com/s/parade/
Where to see the Thanksgiving parade?
– The best place to see the parade is located on 6th avenue between the 59th and the 38th, therefore at the level of E on the map below. Try to arrive early enough if you want to get a seat because some spectators arrive as early as 6:00 a.m.!
On the other hand, avoid being between 34th and 38th Street. Indeed, it is generally here that the devices of the television channels which broadcast the parade are located and their vans could potentially disturb you.
– And if you do not prefer to participate in the parade, please note that it is broadcast live on TV on NBC.
Watch the inflation of giant balloons
The day before the parade, you can watch the balloons being inflated. It’s really great to see these impressive balloons come to life!
Inflation will take place on Wednesday November 22 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.near the Museum of Natural History, between 77th Street and Central Park West.
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On the other hand, this event attracts a lot of people, so I advise you to arrive quite early if you want to have a good view of the process.
©Macy’s, Inc.
Conclusion
I hope this article is helpful to you if you are lucky enough to be in New York during Thanksgiving. And if you’re dreaming of a good traditional meal after the parade, find our restaurant suggestions here: Where to eat in New York for Thanksgiving?
©Macy’s, Inc.
2023-10-13 09:45:49
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