Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, is held every year in New York City by Macy’s Department Store on Thanksgiving Day. The Parade began in 1924, at which time employees marched to the 34th street store in vibrant costumes with animals from the Central Park Zoo and Santa Claus was welcomed into Herald Square for the very first time. This practice has been upheld every year that the parade has run. Large animal-shaped balloons replaced the live animals in 1927.

The first balloon to appear in the parade was Felix the Cat. The first year Felix was filled with air but that was replaced the next year with helium. In 1928 the balloons were released into the sky where they actually burst to the dismay of the crowd. Valves were attached allowing the balloons to float for days and address labels were attached so they could be returned. Anyone who found the balloons and returned them to Macy’s received a gift from the famous department store.

Floats are also a big part of this parade, and millions of people line the streets of New York City to see the balloons and floats pass by in all their glory. In addition to the balloons and floats, there are now performers and artists to attend and perform for the parade. Some perform on floats others are given a spot right in front of 34th street to dance, sing, or otherwise entertain the crowd. No matter who performs or what balloon or float will be debuted this year, the millions of spectators will line the streets again for one of the greatest parades of the year.