Ever since 1924, New York City’s Macy’s have thrown a Thanksgiving Day Parade along a 2.5 mile route. It’s the largest and most watched show every Thanksgiving Day. The parade landed a 7.2 rating in the 18-to-49 demographic and brought in 27.7 million viewers including its digital and streaming audience. The coverage from the parade was NBC’s most watched entertainment program of the year with 23.3 million viewers. Yet, what exactly is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? 

November 27, 1924 Macy’s threw their first Thanksgiving Parade from the intersection of 145th Street and Convent Avenue. Many different floats from Little Red Riding Hood, clowns, cowboys, animals from the Central Park Zoo ending the parade with guest of honor, Santa Claus. Live animals from the Central Park Zoo were used on floats in the early parades and the first balloon wasn’t used until 1927, when Felix the Cat made its debut. The parade was filled with dozens of balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders and even celebrities. Law enforcement, Emergency services and firefighters were all honored in the parade. 

Today, famous clothing companies, celebrities, artists and politicians participate in the parade. Singers and dancers perform in front of the infamous New York City Macy’s. In this year’s parade, famous singers like Manuel Turizo, Pentatonix and Brandy will all be performing this Thanksgiving. Some traditional balloons that we still see every year like Paw Patrol, Ronald Mcdonald and Spongebob Squarepants will still make their yearly appearances in the parade. New balloons are Kung Fu Panda’s Po, Beagle Scout Snoopy, and the Pillsbury Doughboy! 

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will forever be an American tradition and a huge part of American culture. The parade helps create memories for many families and friends.