Thanksgiving Day parade actually stems from an
European tradition. In the 1920's many of Macy's department store
employees were first-generation immigrants in America. Like all other
immigrants, they too wanted to celebrate the American holiday with the
type of festival they loved and cherished in Europe.
In 1924, the employees marched to Macy's flagship store on 34th street
dressed in dressed in lively and bright costumes. There were floats,
professional bands and live animals from the Central Park Zoo. Live
animals which were a part of this parade included camels, goats,
elephants and donkeys. It was really astonishing to see that more than
quarter of a million people gathered at the venue. The parade was such a
success that since then it has become an annual affair.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2005
The 79th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will begin on November
24th, 2005 at 9:00 a. m. The parade travels down Central Park West in
New York from 77th Street to Columbus Circle (59th Street at Broadway),
and then down Broadway to Macy's Herald Square (34th Street).
