Past and present: balloons of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade presented by the U.S.-based retail store chain Macy’s. The tradition started in 1924 and is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States.

In 1927, the parade debuted its signature balloons to great fanfare. Felix the Cat was the the first-ever-character balloon, kicking off a star-studded roster than has included more than 100 of the world’s most famous characters.

The three-hour Macy’s event has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952. (Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade)

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