Braving the chill and challenging winds, the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade proceeded seamlessly on Thursday, marking the festive day in style.
According to city regulations, Macy’s must ground its famous balloons if winds consistently surpass 23 mph or gust over 35 mph. Fortunately, this year’s gusts hovered between 25 and 30 mph, allowing the parade to continue as planned.
The balloons have been grounded only once, back in 1971, though they have been flown at lower altitudes due to weather on previous occasions. This year, an estimated 3.5 million spectators in New York City, along with millions more tuning in from home, were thrilled to watch Spider-Man, Mickey Mouse, and 32 other giant balloons glide through the streets, accompanied by 28 floats.
The parade featured a star-studded lineup including performances by “Wicked” sensation Cynthia Erivo, Ciara, Lainey Wilson, Debbie Gibson, Foreigner, Lil Jon, and cast members from Netflix’s animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters”.
In addition, the legendary Radio City Rockettes, established in 1925, celebrated their centennial with a signature performance near the parade’s conclusion.
