giant balloons, rainy weather and 21 protesters arrested

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was rain-soaked Thursday and briefly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.

New York City police said they arrested 21 people after protesters sat on the parade route with Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Don’t Celebrate Genocide.”

People protesting against Israel’s war in Gaza also disrupted last year’s parade.

Due to the wet weather, this year’s parade featured plenty of ponchos and umbrellas along with the usual lineup of giant balloons, floats, and star-studded performances.

The latest edition of the annual holiday tradition featured new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, zoo and pasta-themed floats, an ode to Big Apple coffee and bagels, performances by Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel and Kylie Minogue, and more.

The lineup is a far cry from the parade’s initial incarnation a century ago, which included floats depicting scenes from Mother Goose, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Miss Muffet and the Spider and other fairy tales. However, some things remain the same. Just like in 1924, there are lots of marching bands and lots of clowns, followed by the grand finale of Santa Claus riding through Manhattan and ushering in the Christmas season.

However, some things remain the same. Just like in 1924, there will be lots of marching bands and lots of clowns, followed by the grand finale with Santa Claus riding through Manhattan and kicking off the Christmas season.

This year’s parade features 17 giant helium-filled balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and traditional inflatables, 11 marching bands, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, award-winning singers and actors, and WNBA champion New York Liberty .

A new float will highlight food brand Rao’s, featuring a knight and dragon in battle made from real pasta elements. Another will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Bronx Zoo with depictions of a tiger, giraffe, zebra and gorilla.

“The work we do, the opportunity to impact millions of people and bring a little joy for a couple of hours on Thanksgiving morning, is what motivates us every day,” said Will Coss, executive producer of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The parade began at 8:30 a.m. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and ended 2.5 miles away around noon at Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square on 34th Street, which serves as the stage and backdrop for the parades. performances.

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