Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a festive occasion attended by whole families, and which continues to grow each year with new participants.

History

The parade has been held annually since its debut in 1924 in Manhattan by the American chain of stores, Macy’s. It was a spectacle that attracted a crowd of 250,000 people. Three years later, the event began using giant helium-inflated balloons, which were so large they were awe-inspiring. In 1932, NBC started broadcasting the parade live, so that people from all over the world could enjoy the event.

Interesting facts

• The first parade included various animals, but this tradition was dropped due to them frightening children with their roars. This was compensated for by the addition of beloved cartoon characters.
• Felix the cat was the first cartoon character to join the parade.
• One of the Macy’s owners, Isidor Strauss, was travelling with his wife Ida on the Titanic. When the ship started to sink, Isidore put Ida in a lifeboat, but at the last moment she got off and stayed with him. The couple did not survive.

How to take part

Attending the parade is the best way to enjoy the Thanksgiving Day Parade! If you can, come to the venue for the best view of the colorful aerial figures. If you are not able to make it, you can watch the event live on TV or on tape, and capture memories by taking photos and videos to share on social media.

When is Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrated in 2023?

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is observed on the fourth Thursday in November each year.

Observations