The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will not be held live on November 26th, due to the pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio made the announcement during his Monday press conference, explaining that this year, "It will not be the same parade we're used to. It will be a different kind of an event. They're reinventing the event for this moment in history."
In a press release, Macy's explained that the traditional television broadcast would go on, with performances taped over two days—and using local bands and talent, under COVID-19 filming guidelines. Also, the balloons will be flown, but without their dozens of handlers and instead employing "an innovative, specially rigged anchor vehicle framework of five specialty vehicles tested and approved by the NYPD."
De Blasio praised the retailer during his briefing, saying, "They care about New York City. We saw what they did on July 4th with an amazing fireworks display... even with all the challenges," referring to the pop-up "surprise" fireworks the retailer held across the city in the lead-up to a more limited Independence Day show. The usual pomp and pageantry of their Fireworks Spectacular was scrapped to prevent large crowds from gathering as the city struggled to slow the spread of COVID-19, though smaller crowds did coalesce for the surprise pyrotechnics prior to the 4th.
Crowds on the Upper West Side during Thanksgiving 2019
The parade—famous for its gigantic balloons, floats, performers, and, yes, Santa Claus—has been held annually since 1924, except for 1942, 1943, and 1944 when helium and rubber were needed for World War II efforts.
In recent years, the 2.5 mile-route has attracted 3.5 million spectators, according to Macy's. Additionally, 8,000 people help put on the parade, including all of the performers who are on floats or in dance troops and marching bands. And then there's the equally-beloved tradition of the balloon inflation, which Macy's employees and their friends and families help out with before the big show.
Macy's says around 50 million people tune into the three-hour event, which is broadcast on NBC twice on Thanksgiving Day. The parade is also an opportunity for Macy's to publicize its holiday shopping campaign.
More new 2020 touches for the parade, which will be mostly staged around Macy's flagship store at Herald Square: No one under the age of 18 will be participating; all high school and college marching bands who were going to march in 2020 will be able to march in 2021 (local marching bands and musical groups will participate this year); and there will be no balloon inflation event on Thanksgiving Eve.
The press release assures that in addition to floats, clowns, and balloons, Santa Claus will appear. Susan Tercero, executive producer of the parade, said in a statement, "The Macy’s Parade is our love letter and gift to the City of New York and the nation. Under the unique challenges of these unparalleled times, we felt it was important to continue this cherished holiday tradition that has been the opening act to the holiday season for generations of families. While it will certainly look different in execution, this year’s Macy’s Parade celebration will once again serve its historical purpose – to bring joy into the hearts of millions across the nation.”
