Topline
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a long-running celebration marked by colorful costumes, oversized balloons and cheering crowds returned this year after a muted affair the year before due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Gotta catch ’em all! Pikachu and Eevee ride a new Poke Ball sled this year.
Key Facts
Some new faces joined the parade this year, including Ada Twist, Scientist and cult favorite Baby Yoda, along with revamped versions of Pokemon Pikachu and Eevee and fast food clown mascot Ronald McDonald.
The event celebrates its 95th march this year and a return to normality for many spectators after last year’s more somber affair.
The coronavirus pandemic curtailed the parade’s 2.5 mile-long route and large public crowds last year, when the parade was a television-only event.
Parade staff all needed to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19 and wear masks, though some participants—for example, singers—are able to ditch the face coverings.
Performers in the parade include Kim Petras, Kelly Rowland, Nelly, Carrie Underwood, Kristin Chenoweth and Jon Batiste.
Big Number
2.5 million. That’s how many people are expected to attend the parade this year, according to CNN.
Keep looking up… that’s the secret of life. Astronaut Snoopy took off during the parade.
He’s lovin it. Ronald McDonald’s fifth design took flight with the clown holding a heart.
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?
A balloon, he is. Baby Yoda, also known as Grogu, made his Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade debut this … [+]
Ada Twist, Scientist, debuted this year.
Performers get ready to take part in the parade.
A group of participants do the splits during the parade.
Tom Turkey, a parade and dinner table staple, makes his way through the parade.
Further Reading
These are the new balloons at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (CNN)
The Sonic Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade crash: An oral history (Polygon)
Get Ready for the Baby Yoda Balloon (NYT)
Photos: This Year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Looks Unlike Any Other (Forbes)
