Every fourth Thursday in November giant helium-filled balloons shaped like popular cartoon heroes float above the streets of New York City in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The popular event is organised by Macy's, a mid-range to upscale chain of department stores, every year.
Thursday, November 24 is this years Thanksgiving Day 2016 Masses of people flood to the streets of Manhattan to watch the balloons shaped like Shrek, Buzz Lightyear, Snoopy and pals. The parade also features live music and other performances by celebrities such as Miley Cyrus and Kermit the Frog aboard travelling floats.
College and high school marching bands from across the country also take part in the parade. Cheerleaders and dancers chosen by the National Cheerleaders Association from various high school across the country march down the streets. Likewise, the Radio City Rockettes are a classic performance. As a symbol of the imminent Christmas and holiday season, the figure of Santa Claus concludes the parade.
The parade starts at 9am, but people start arriving three hours before to get a good viewing spot, namely the area between 61st and 72nd streets on Central Park West. The even lasts three hours.
The parade starts in 77th street and Central Park then continues west to Columbus Circle in 59th street. Next, they march in Broadway to 34th street and Macy's Herald Square ending on 7th avenue. The streets that are part of the parade route are closed to traffic during the event.
The tradition dates back to 1924 and ties as second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States along with America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. Both parades are four years younger than the 6abc Dunkin' Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia.