The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade turns 100

Origin story - While not the first of its kind, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has become a beloved tradition enjoyed by generations of Americans. It draws an estimated 3.5 million spectators to Manhattan, New York, and is watched by tens of millions more on television. But how and when did this iconic parade begin?

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From Christmas to Thanksgiving -

The inaugural Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, held on November 27, 1924, was originally called the "Macy's Christmas Parade." Its purpose was to stimulate Christmas shopping. The name was changed to Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927.

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Massive store -

Macy's held the parade to celebrate the opening of what it called the "World's Largest Store." This retail space, spanning over 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 square meters), occupied a full city block in Midtown Manhattan.

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Making waves -

The parade was first broadcast on radio. In 1947, it started airing on TV through CBS. Since 1953, NBC has been broadcasting it, reaching millions of homes each year.

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Parade regular -

Even though the parade changed from a Christmas event to a Thanksgiving event, it still has strong ties to Christmas. Santa Claus, a key figure since the beginning, typically closes the parade.

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All shapes and forms -

The jolly old man in red has been a regular part of the parade, both as a live character and a giant balloon.

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The parade stops -

While this year marks the 100th anniversary of the first parade, it's actually the 98th parade. The event was canceled from 1942 to 1944 during World War II, when resources like rubber for the balloons were needed as war supplies.

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It also marches on -

In 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade aired as a television-only event with no live audience.

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Beloved balloons -

Despite changes in theme and disruptions caused by world events, the giant character balloons, introduced in the fourth Macy’s parade in 1927, remain a beloved tradition.

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Deciding who flies -

Macy's Studio artists and engineers design and build each year's balloon lineup, featuring a mix of classic and new characters from pop culture and entertainment.

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For all ages -

Macy's aims to strike this classic-new balance to appeal to all ages, says Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s Studio. The company decides which characters get giant balloon treatments through internal discussions and partnerships with character owners.

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Balloon master -

Manfred Bass was the chief designer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for over 40 years, being responsible for designing and building the floats and balloons. He retired in 2000 at the age of 65 and passed away in 2017.

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The classics -

Felix the Cat was one of the first characters to have its own balloon in the 1927 parade.

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Past appearances -

Past parades have featured balloons of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Uncle Sam, Underdog, Dora the Explorer, Kermit the Frog, and many others.

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Record holder -

Snoopy, the 'Peanuts' character, made his parade debut in 1968. Since then, he's appeared in various forms, including an aviator, astronaut, and ice skater. Snoopy holds the record for the most Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade appearances.

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Keeping up with the trends -

In 2021, Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda from the TV show 'The Mandalorian,' was a big hit at the parade in his Funko Pop! inspired form.

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New additions -

The 2024 parade will feature six new balloons, including the highly anticipated debut of Minnie Mouse and a new Spider-Man, alongside 17 returning favorites.

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Impressive size -

While the balloons vary in size, some can be as long as two school buses.

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Grand debut -

The new Minnie Mouse balloon will be about 60 feet (18 meters) tall (as tall as a five-story building) and 34 feet (10 meters) wide (about as wide as five taxis).

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? -

One of the largest balloons ever was the third edition of Superman, a 104-foot-long (32-meter) giant built by Goodyear. It first flew in 1980 and appeared in eight parades until 1987.

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Accidents -

Unfortunately, some balloons have had accidents. In 1956, a Mighty Mouse balloon was unable to withstand 45 mph (72 kph) winds and collapsed during the parade, near Columbus Circle.

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Accidents -

In 1957, rain filled Popeye's hat and soaked the crowd. Similarly, in 1962, Donald Duck's hat tipped water onto the audience.

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Accidents -

The most serious balloon accident occurred in 1997 when the Cat in the Hat balloon struck a lamppost, causing debris to injure spectators. Following this incident and another involving an M&M balloon in 2005, Macy’s and New York City implemented safety measures, including restrictions on balloon size and weather-related policies.

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More attractions -

Besides the iconic balloons, the parade also features thrilling performances by popular artists and entertainers.

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Dance team -

The talented Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall have been dazzling parade audiences since their debut in 1957.

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Marching bands -

Top college and high school marching bands keep the crowds energized throughout the parade.

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Iconic stars -

The parade has featured appearances by top music stars like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Ariana Grande, and even legendary rockers Kiss.

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Tune in -

The televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a beloved classic, hosted by well-known personalities who guide viewers through the festivities. Over the years, hosts have included Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, Ed McMahon, Willard Scott, Lorne Greene, and Betty White.

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For another century to come -

Whether it’s the awe-inspiring sight of giant character balloons soaring over New York City or the lively performances by dancers, musicians, and celebrities, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has cemented its status as a beloved tradition that helps us kick off the holiday season.

Sources: (USA Today) (Britannica) (The New York Times)

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Pioneers -

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From Christmas to Thanksgiving -

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Massive store -

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Making waves -

The parade was first broadcast on radio. In 1947, it started airing on TV through CBS. Since 1953, NBC has been broadcasting it, reaching millions of homes each year.

Getty Images

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Parade regular -

Even though the parade changed from a Christmas event to a Thanksgiving event, it still has strong ties to Christmas. Santa Claus, a key figure since the beginning, typically closes the parade.

Getty Images

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All shapes and forms -

The jolly old man in red has been a regular part of the parade, both as a live character and a giant balloon.

Getty Images

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The parade stops -

Getty Images

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It also marches on -

In 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade aired as a television-only event with no live audience.

Getty Images

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Beloved balloons -

Despite changes in theme and disruptions caused by world events, the giant character balloons, introduced in the fourth Macy’s parade in 1927, remain a beloved tradition.

Getty Images

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Deciding who flies -

Macy's Studio artists and engineers design and build each year's balloon lineup, featuring a mix of classic and new characters from pop culture and entertainment.

Getty Images

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For all ages -

NL Beeld

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Balloon master -

Getty Images

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The classics -

Felix the Cat was one of the first characters to have its own balloon in the 1927 parade.

Getty Images

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Past appearances -

Past parades have featured balloons of beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Uncle Sam, Underdog, Dora the Explorer, Kermit the Frog, and many others.

Getty Images

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Record holder -

Getty Images

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Keeping up with the trends -

In 2021, Grogu, also known as Baby Yoda from the TV show 'The Mandalorian,' was a big hit at the parade in his Funko Pop! inspired form.

Getty Images

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New additions -

The 2024 parade will feature six new balloons, including the highly anticipated debut of Minnie Mouse and a new Spider-Man, alongside 17 returning favorites.

Getty Images

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Impressive size -

While the balloons vary in size, some can be as long as two school buses.

NL Beeld

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Grand debut -

The new Minnie Mouse balloon will be about 60 feet (18 meters) tall (as tall as a five-story building) and 34 feet (10 meters) wide (about as wide as five taxis).

Getty Images

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Is it a bird? Is it a plane? -

One of the largest balloons ever was the third edition of Superman, a 104-foot-long (32-meter) giant built by Goodyear. It first flew in 1980 and appeared in eight parades until 1987.

Getty Images

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Accidents -

Unfortunately, some balloons have had accidents. In 1956, a Mighty Mouse balloon was unable to withstand 45 mph (72 kph) winds and collapsed during the parade, near Columbus Circle.

Getty Images

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Accidents -

In 1957, rain filled Popeye's hat and soaked the crowd. Similarly, in 1962, Donald Duck's hat tipped water onto the audience.

Getty Images

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Accidents -

Getty Images

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More attractions -

Besides the iconic balloons, the parade also features thrilling performances by popular artists and entertainers.

Getty Images

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Dance team -

The talented Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall have been dazzling parade audiences since their debut in 1957.

Getty Images

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Marching bands -

Top college and high school marching bands keep the crowds energized throughout the parade.

Getty Images

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Iconic stars -

The parade has featured appearances by top music stars like Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Ariana Grande, and even legendary rockers Kiss.

Getty Images

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Tune in -

Getty Images

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For another century to come -

Sources: (USA Today) (Britannica) (The New York Times)

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The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade turns 100

A century of magic and holiday cheer

27/11/24 | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE Holiday

We are about to witness history being made as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrates its 100th anniversary. This beloved American tradition has become a hallmark of the holiday season, captivating audiences with its dazzling display of giant balloons, stunning floats, and incredible performances during the impressive span of a century.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon, the Macy’s Parade continues to evolve and amaze. In this gallery, we’ll take a journey through the history of this iconic event, exploring its most memorable moments, iconic characters, and behind-the-scenes magic. Click on!