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The Magic of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: A Timeless American Tradition.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a beloved American tradition for nearly a century. It kicks off the holiday season with a spectacle of colorful floats, giant balloons, and live performances. But have you ever wondered how this iconic event came to be? Let's take a journey through Macy's history and the parade that has become synonymous with Thanksgiving.



The Founding of Macy's 1858

Rowland Hussey Macy founded R.H. Macy & Co. in New York City. Macy, a former sailor and entrepreneur, envisioned creating a modern department store offering a wide range of products under one roof. The store quickly gained popularity, and by the early 20th century, Macy's had become a household name.


The First Thanksgiving Day Parade

In 1924, Macy's employees, many of whom were European immigrants, wanted to celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving with a festive parade. The first Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was held on November 27, 1924, and featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo, including elephants, camels, and donkeys. The parade was a huge success, attracting over 250,000 spectators.



The Evolution of the Parade

Over the years, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has evolved to include giant balloons, floats, and live performances. The first giant balloon, a 60-foot-tall Felix the Cat, was introduced in 1927. Since then, the parade has featured many balloons, from beloved cartoon characters to popular cultural icons.


A Timeless American Tradition Today.

the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the world's largest and most iconic parades, attracting over 3.5 million spectators and 50 million television viewers. The parade has become an integral part of American culture, symbolizing the start of the holiday season and the values of gratitude, generosity, and community.


The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This year's parade, the 98th edition, promises to be as spectacular as previous years. The parade will feature 17 giant balloons, 22 floats, 15 heritage and novelty balloons, over 700 clowns, 11 marching bands, and performances by top music stars. Whether you're watching from the streets of New York City or the comfort of your own home, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an event not to be missed.



In conclusion, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a timeless American tradition that has delighted audiences for nearly a century. From its humble beginnings as a small employee-organized event to its current status as a global spectacle, the parade continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of people worldwide.

Article Editor: Derrick Osono Agyei (X)@iamosono1 IG:iamosono



Source:@Macys

 

Date:01/15/2025.

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