The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes over New York City with its annual spectacle. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States to honor the early settlers and Native Americans who came together for a harvest feast.
The celebration is synonymous with turkey, serving as the centerpiece of the traditional holiday meal. The National Turkey Federation reports that approximately 88 percent of Americans consume turkey on Thanksgiving, translating to over 46 million turkeys eaten on the fourth Thursday in November.
Starting 30 minutes earlier than usual, the parade showcased seven new balloons and six new floats. Beginning at 08:30 on November 23, the parade route spanned from West 77th Street & Central Park West to Macy's Herald Square, covering 2.5 miles.
Spectators could catch the action on Central Park West between West 75th and West 61st streets or on Sixth Avenue between West 59th and West 38th streets.
This year's parade featured 25 balloons, introducing characters such as Beagle Scout Snoopy, Blue Cat and Chugs from Cool Cats, Po from "Kung Fu Panda," LEO from an upcoming animated film, Monkey D. Luffy from "One Piece," Uncle Dan from "Migration," and a new Pillsbury Doughboy balloon.
Additionally, 31 floats graced the parade, with newcomers including Camp Snoopy, the Good Burger Mobile, "Igniting Memories," Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' "Mutant Mayhem," "Palace of Sweets," and the Deliciously Delectable World of Wonka.
Meanwhile, the star-studded lineup included Cher as the headline performer, along with artists such as Brandy, Pentatonix, Alex Smith, and others. Furthermore, 11 marching bands and seven performance groups from across the country have participated in the event.
What happens to the helium after the parade?
The helium-filled balloons are a significant part of the parade. With over 300,000 cubic feet of helium, it takes 90 minutes to inflate the balloons, costing an estimated $500,000 annually.
Following the parade, the balloons are deflated within 15 minutes behind Macy's, releasing the helium back into the atmosphere, as recapturing it is impossible.