regional customs
Tens of thousands celebrate Thanksgiving parade in New York
The clumsy panda Po floats through Manhattan. photo
© Jeenah Moon/AP/dpa
When huge balloons float through the streets of New York – then it’s Thanksgiving. The stars of this year’s Macy’s parade: “Kung Fu Pand” Po, Cher and Joe Biden.
Tens of thousands of onlookers attended the Thanksgiving parade New York was cheered by huge balloon figures, show dancers dressed in Christmas clothes and Santa Claus and his wife.
During the traditional parade on Thursday, helium balloons of characters such as Snoopy and the Pokémon Pikachu floated above people, and characters from Sesame Street and US sports stars who want to compete in the Olympic Games in Paris next year waved from show floats. In addition to some Broadway stars, the a cappella group Pentatonix sang a Christmas pop song before pop icon Cher (77) presented her new single “DJ Play a Christmas Song” shortly before the end of the parade.
US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill were also connected by telephone to the NBC television station. “Today is about coming together and giving thanks to the country that is our home,” Biden said. “We also thank all firefighters, police officers and our military.” Jill Biden added: “Today it’s important to do something kind. Call someone and wish them a happy Thanksgiving.”
The parade leads south from Central Park in the center of Manhattan; in addition to the floats and balloons, thousands of people in marching bands, dance formations and other foot groups take part. Many companies also use the opportunity to advertise their products in the parade, which is broadcast live on NBC – the parade is organized by the department store chain Macy’s. It took place for the 97th time.