Thanksgiving is an American holiday where we gather together and give thanks for our life, liberty, and many blessings. It is a family event, and nothing symbolizes quite like the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade is a three-hour, live televised event that takes place on the streets of New York City on Thanksgiving Day. It is a display of dancers, marching bands, floats, and of course, the spokesman for Christmas himself, Santa Claus. The first parade took place in 1924 from Harlem all the way to 34th street, where the Macy’s flagship store was located. There were balloons, floats, and even live animals. The first parade began a year long tradition that is still an American event today.

During 1942-1944, the Thanksgiving parade was suspended because rubber and helium were both needed for the military efforts of World War II. In 1945, the parade resumed. Throughout the years, it has been known as an event to kick off the Christmas season. There are live performances by famous singers, celebrities, and even a few numbers from select Broadway shows. Since the day after Thanksgiving is commonly known as Black Friday, it seems fitting that such a large department store like Macy’s would help to get the country in the spirit of the Christmas season. Many people gather before their Thanksgiving meal each year and watch the parade together. Balloons and floats have become a very important part of the spirit of the parade, as well as performances throughout.

Large balloons in all shapes and sizes are significant to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every character imaginable from Barney to Garfield, Kermit the Frog to Raggedy Anne have all been a part of the parade. Felix the Cat was the very first balloon in the parade, which was used in 1927. At the end of the parade every year, Santa Claus rides through the streets of New York and waves to the crowd. This is a very significant part of the parade because it shows children all over the country that Santa is watching and getting ready for the big day, Christmas. The excitement and symbolism of Santa at the end of the parade helps to kick off the beginning of the holiday season. It is a time for fun and joy, which is what Macy’s had in mind back in 1924 when a group of people got together and decided to celebrate the holidays with a big parade.