Did you know that the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade had no balloons? This first parade was held in 1924, but back then it was called “The Macy’s Christmas Parade.” The goal of the parade was to promote the company’s holiday sales for the upcoming season.
Although the first parade had no balloons, they did have animals walking the streets of New York City from the Central Park Zoo such as elephants and bears. The name was later changed to the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” in 1927, when the first balloons were introduced. One of them was Felix the Cat, a famous cartoon character created in 1919. Mickey Mouse was later brought into the parade in 1934.
There are many famous characters floating down the streets of New York City today, including Ronald Mcdonald, Snoopy, SpongeBob, and many more. In addition to the balloons, spectators can watch Broadway performances and the Rockettes at the parade. This year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held on Thursday, November 28th with many new balloons featured, including Minnie Mouse.