What to Know
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was drenched in rain on Thursday and briefly disrupted by Pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
- New York City police arrested at least 21 people after protesters sat down on the parade route with Palestinian flags and a "Don’t Celebrate Genocide" banner.
- People protesting Israel’s war in Gaza also interrupted last year’s parade.
Parade Highlights
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade featured new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, zoo and pasta-themed floats, an ode to Big Apple coffee and bagels, performances from Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel, and Kylie Minogue, and more.
A Brief History of the Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a rich history, dating back to 1924, when it featured floats showing scenes from Mother Goose, Red Riding Hood, and the Wolf, Miss Muffet, and other fairy tales. Today, the parade features 17 giant, helium-filled character balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, award-winning singers and actors, and the WNBA champion New York Liberty.
Behind the Scenes
"We do the work we do to impact millions of people and bring a bit of joy for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving morning, is what motivates us every day," said Will Coss, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade executive producer.
The Parade Route
The parade began at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ends 2.5 miles away around noon at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, which serves as a stage and backdrop for performances.
Safety Precautions
The rain isn’t stopping anything – the parade has only been canceled three times, from 1942 to 1944 during World War II – but organizers are monitoring wind speeds throughout the festivities to make sure it’s safe for the big balloons to fly.
Conclusion
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved tradition that brings joy and excitement to millions of people every year. Despite the rain and the brief disruption caused by the Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, the parade went on as scheduled, featuring a wide range of performances and attractions.
FAQs
Q: How did the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade start?
A: The parade began in 1924, featuring floats showing scenes from Mother Goose, Red Riding Hood, and the Wolf, Miss Muffet, and other fairy tales.
Q: How many people are arrested after the parade was briefly disrupted by Pro-Palestinian demonstrators?
A: At least 21 people were arrested after the parade was briefly disrupted by Pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Q: How many giant, helium-filled character balloons are featured in the parade?
A: 17 giant, helium-filled character balloons are featured in the parade.
Q: Who are the hosts of the parade’s broadcast on NBC?
A: The hosts of the parade’s broadcast on NBC are Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Al Roker, with Carlos Adyan and Andrea Meza hosting a Spanish simulcast on Telemundo.
