This Thursday, New Yorkers had the pleasure of witnessing the iconic annual Thanksgiving parade, a long-standing tradition that has illuminated the streets of the Big Apple for 97 years.
However, this year's celebration took place under the shadow of the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, with heightened security measures - marking the highest level in almost a decade, according to the FBI -; and 24 hours after the crash and subsequent explosion of a vehicle on the Niagara Falls bridge, which connects the US and Canada, did not have a terrorist motive. Indeed, the parade was briefly interrupted when a dozen protesters blocked the street, in front of the McDonald's float, with a banner that read "Free Palestine", resulting in several arrests.
The lively and colorful procession of balloons traveled about four kilometers through the avenues and skyscrapers of New York. It featured a special guest this year: Son Goku, the legendary hero of the Dragon Ball franchise. This Japanese anime character, created by Akira Toriyama, has captivated millions of people in the country since Dragon Ball Z was first broadcast on American television 25 years ago.
The parade of this 97th edition is possible thanks to more than 5,000 volunteers who are organized to carry 25 giant balloons with characters, 31 floats, 11 music bands and 18 performance groups, among others.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade emerged in 1924 as an initiative to boost this shopping center's Christmas campaign, but it was not until 1927 that the colorful giant balloons were introduced.
The commemoration of this day in the country has its roots in the meeting between English settlers and Wampanoag indigenous people in Plymouth in 1621. Although the story focuses on a supposed shared banquet, experts suggest that reality could differ, since there is no evidence that turkey was served. This day became a national holiday in 1789, thanks to George Washington, the first president of the United States. His intention was to thank God for watching over Americans, following the example of the Mayflower settlers.
In the midst of international tensions, this parade is a “symbol of joy and a beacon of tradition and celebration” in New York, remembering at the same time the “importance of unity and gratitude in difficult times,” according to the organizers.
