Thanksgiving Day

2024 - 11 - 29

Thanksgiving Mayhem: Balloons, Protests, and a Splash of Rain!

balloons - celebration - Governor Gavin Newsom - holiday season - Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - New York City - NYPD - protest - Thanksgiving Day - Thanksgiving traditions

From giant balloons to protest banners, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024 had it all! Discover the highlights and unexpected turns of this year's celebration!

As the holiday season approaches, excitement begins to build for one of America’s most iconic celebrations - the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! This year, on November 28, 2024, throngs of spectators gathered in New York City to witness the 98th edition of this beloved tradition, a magnificent spectacle overflowing with giant balloons, dazzling floats, and incredible performances. Even the drama of rainy weather failed to dampen the spirits of roughly three million enthusiastic attendees who lined the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite characters - Dora the Explorer, Snoopy, and other beloved, colorful giants floating high above.

However, this year's festivities weren't just about the balloons and floats; they took a turn towards the unexpected when protests broke out amid the celebration. A group of demonstrators disrupted the parade, making their stand visible with Palestinian flags and chants of “Free, free Palestine.” Approximately 21 protesters were arrested for jumping over barricades and trying to thwart the procession with their political statements. While the police worked swiftly to manage the situation, the parade continued with its show-stealing balloons and performances that kept the crowd entertained, highlighting the resilience of the tradition amidst adversity.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has always been more than just a colorful procession down the streets of NYC; it marks the unofficial start of the holiday season in the United States. The pageantry began in 1924 and has now become an indelible part of Thanksgiving, featuring celebrity appearances and performances that thrill audiences young and old. Host Savannah Guthrie, alongside her co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, kept the energy high, ultimately proving that a little rain wouldn’t steal their thunder!

While the rain might've been a downer for some, it couldn’t wash away the fun of balloons bobbing along the streets, the cheerful tunes echoing from the floats, or the heartwarming vibe of gratitude that Thanksgiving embodies. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade isn't just a backdrop for family gatherings; it symbolizes American spirit, resilience, and togetherness. So, whether you caught the live splendor or celebrated from your cozy couch, this year’s parade was truly one for the books, reminding all of us that Thanksgiving is all about community, food, and, occasionally, a little bit of drama amid the celebrations.

Interestingly, this year marks the parade's 98th birthday, just two years shy of the big 100! Also, did you know that each of those enormous balloons can cost upwards of $100,000 to create and maintain? Talk about floating in style! Clearly, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade packs a punch not just in its visuals but also in its profound legacy across generations!

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Image courtesy of "Office of Governor Gavin Newsom"

Governor Newsom proclaims Thanksgiving Day 2024 | Governor of ... (Office of Governor Gavin Newsom)

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring November 28, 2024, as Thanksgiving Day. The text of the proclamation and a copy can ...

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Image courtesy of "Livemint"

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: How to watch, what's new ... (Livemint)

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition since 1924, marks the start of the holiday season. The 98th edition features stunning floats, ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Rain and protest dampen Macy's annual Thanksgiving Day parade ... (Aljazeera.com)

Police arrested 21 protesters after they unfurled a banner in the middle of the parade route to protest the war in Gaza.

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Image courtesy of "Hindustan Times"

Anti-Israel protesters disrupt Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ... (Hindustan Times)

Mass arrests were made at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade when anti-Israel protesters blocked the procession and allegedly tried to ruin the celebration.

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

Parade in photos: A wet but joyful Thanksgiving Day celebration (NBC News)

The 98th annual Macy's parade was hosted by NBC's “TODAY” show stars Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. ... Rain and cold didn't stop them. About 3 million ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

Here's how the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is brought to life (NPR)

A team of people, including one on a tall ladder, pump up the Dora. The Dora the Explorer balloon gets pumped up for a flight over the streets of New York City ...

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Image courtesy of "The Associated Press"

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks off (The Associated Press)

New York City police said they arrested 21 people after protesters jumped barricades and sat down on the parade route with Palestinian flags and a “Don't ...

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Image courtesy of "India Today"

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Giant balloons, star ... (India Today)

The 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade promises an extraordinary spectacle in New York City, featuring giant balloons, exciting new floats, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Times of Israel"

Anti-Israel protesters disrupt Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; 21 ... (The Times of Israel)

NYPD steps in as demonstrators jump over barriers, sit on parade route with a banner reading 'Don't celebrate genocide,' chant 'Free, free Palestine'

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade marches on despite protest and ... (CBS News)

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade​ kicked off the holiday season in NYC, despite a brief interruption from protesters and rainy weather.

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Image courtesy of "The Indian Express"

In pictures: Spectacular display in 'America's parade' on ... (The Indian Express)

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was first held by employees of the Macy's store in 1924, many of whom were first-generation European immigrants looking to ...

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