Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Celebrates 99th Year with New Icons

The 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place on November 23, 2023, showcasing a blend of nostalgia and modern pop culture. This year, the event saw the absence of classic characters like Popeye and Olive Oyl, making way for new icons such as the giant Labubu and the Demogorgon from Netflix’s wildly popular series, “Stranger Things.” The parade has evolved significantly, with executive producer Will Coss emphasizing the addition of contemporary elements that resonate with today’s audiences.

As the parade made its way down Central Park West, spectators were treated to a vibrant display of balloons, floats, and marching bands. The inclusion of characters from “KPop Demon Hunters” added a fresh appeal, reflecting the changing tastes of attendees. Coss noted the importance of incorporating “brand-new elements that are speaking to the moment,” ensuring the parade remains relevant in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

The anticipation was palpable as Tom Turkey led the parade, followed closely by a balloon version of Mario. As families cheered, a marching band from Northern Arizona University performed a festive medley, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The streets were lined with spectators, including those who had climbed onto ridges for a better view, eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite characters.

Among the crowd was Tommy Johnson, a 66-year-old retired municipal worker from Connecticut, who has been selling turkey hats at the parade for 15 years. Arriving at 02:30, he proudly shared that he had sold nearly all of his 100 hats, despite his family’s disapproval of his Thanksgiving tradition. “They know I’m crazy,” he laughed, adding, “But it’s Thanksgiving. Everyone eats turkey. Why not wear it on your head?”

Families like the Cordovas from Hurst, Texas, also participated in the festivities. Glenda Cordova cheered for her son, Anthony, who marched with the Lawrence D. Bell school band. She highlighted the extensive preparations they made for the trip, acknowledging the financial burden but emphasizing the importance of the experience.

As the parade continued, beloved characters floated by, including SpongeBob SquarePants and Spider-Man. Yet, the most anticipated float was the one featuring the Demogorgon. Puppeteers Paul Andrejco and Michael Bush spent hours inside the float, maneuvering the creature’s limbs through a complex system of rods and handles. Andrejco described the challenge, noting the physical demands of puppeteering and the intense preparations the team undertook at the Puppet Heap studio in New Jersey.

The weather posed additional challenges, with strong winds testing the skills of balloon handlers. A giant Arctic fox balloon experienced a near mishap as it turned a corner, while guests at the Mandarin Oriental enjoyed a panoramic view of the parade from their tables, booked a year in advance for a Thanksgiving buffet priced at $245 per person.

As the parade neared its conclusion, floats and performers gathered in Herald Square for a musical finale. By 10:30 a.m., a colorful assembly of balloons, dancers, and marching bands created a lively spectacle. Despite the brisk temperatures, the excitement remained high as parade marshals directed participants, signaling the end of the event.

With a final call of “Have a happy Thanksgiving!” the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade brought together families and friends, celebrating a cherished American tradition while embracing the new icons of contemporary culture.