Many have seen the spectacular Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Parade, but few understand the true value of this historical and traditional event. This year will be the parade’s 95th annual parade and will be on Thursday, November 25 at 9am. The parade is played live on channel NBC-TV or other streaming channels.

“Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade is what really gets me into the holiday spirit. It’s a reminder of the joy and happiness of the season,” English teacher Kayla Chewning said.

The first Macy’s Thanksgiving parade took place on November 27th, 1924 in New York City. It took place during the peak of the 1920s or the roaring twenties, receiving the name due to the property and pleasure occurring during the period. The idea came about when Macy’s wanted to attract more customers during the holidays than its competitors. The 6-mile parade, though not of a lengthy distance, had floats like Mother Goose, Red Riding Hood, and Little Miss Muffet. Macy’s employees dressed as clowns, cowboys, and knights all walking with various animals giving each individual a pleasant experience. For years, many families have tuned in to watch the annual Macy’s Day parade to start their holiday season off.

“I watch the parade because that has been a tradition in my family for years now and we make a whole day out of it,” said Kori Wilkinson. “I enjoy watching it because I think it brings people together and it’s just a time for us to celebrate the season.”

This year will include a variety of marching bands, music performers, floats, clowns, balloons, and end with a visit from Santa himself. For many, all over the country, the Thanksgiving day parade is a family tradition. Even if they are not able to attend it physically, being able to watch it on TV and share that memory with family is priceless.

“Watching the Macy’s day parade on Thanksgiving day morning is a tradition for my family,” teacher Sydney Johnson said.” In Michigan, it is too cold to be outside, so we cozy up with our coffee and let the parade play in the background while we catch up on each other’s lives.”

Macy’s is not the only one with a traditional H-E-B Thanksgiving Day parade, Houston will also be having their 72nd annual parade at 9 a.m., Thanksgiving morning, and it is open to the public. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the parade walks a full twenty blocks and features elaborate floats, high-flying balloons, colorful high school marching bands, and performers. The parade will finish off with an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to start the Christmas season.

“I’ve grown up watching the parade. It’s just a fun tradition my family and I do,” sophomore Connor West said.

Last year, H-E-B could not host the parade because of COVID-19 restrictions in the city, so they decided to help the city out instead by distributing meal kits to those in need, showing their compassion to all of Texas. This year, the parade is back in full force and locals are able to watch in person or live on local TV.