NEW YORK CITY—Millions stood on the streets of New York City in the midst of the cold, rain, and vendor smoke to see the floats and balloons of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving parade.
People from all over the world came to see the historic parade with its giant, looming balloons and join the jostling crowds of umbrella-wielding spectators. The world could be heard speaking on the sidewalks.
Rain and cold have never stopped the parade from marching, and this year was no different. Crowds of millions gathered despite the dreary weather, and the atmosphere was lively. Millions more watched along on TV.
The parade was disrupted when at least 21 Pro-Palestinian protesters jumped the barriers to sit in the street with a banner that read, “Don’t Celebrate Genocide.” They were put in custody.
Two new balloons debuted this year, a Minnie Mouse balloon and a Spiderman balloon, an old face returning for the first time in a decade.
The parade featured 17 iconic character balloons, including Dora the Explorer, Bluey, and Goku, 22 floats, 15 inflatables, 11 bands, 700 clowns, and 10 performance groups, and celebrities. Ariana Madix, T-Pain, Jimmy Fallon and the Roots, and Macy’s spokesperson Alison Brie all participated.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Since the parade was canceled between 1942 and 1944, the hundredth parade is still on the horizon.
