Macy's Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

This year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was awash in the constant drizzle of rain, which hardly seemed to matter, nor dampen the throngs of visitors who lined the 3 mile parade route from West 77th Street to Herald Square at 34th Street. 

The 98th consecutive edition of this legendary parade featured 22 floats, 11 marching bands, almost 800 clowns and characters, plus the iconic and show-stopping giant balloons which numbered 17 in total this year  - including three new entries: SpiderMan, Minnie Mouse and a Knight & Dragon helium number made from actual pasta fiber that was donated by The Bronx's infamous Rao's restaurant group. There was also a new float this year, celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Bronx Zoo, and the usual, unending performances by theatrical entertainers and Broadway stars who appeared more interested in the TV audiences at home than in the 3.5 million rain-drenched street spectators who enthusiastically braved the elements. While overhearing a few onlookers lining the Broadway barricades, I heard an Italian accent speak up: " ... it's something we don't have in Italy and it fits in with the spirit of Christmas. It's amazing and only in  America; you feel the energy and positivity ... almost like childhood. And these balloons, Mama Mia - they are just out of this world! I want to come back for sure."

The start of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 28, 2024. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)