{"id":1187,"date":"2020-11-20T11:55:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-20T19:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backstagepass.concertarchives.org\/?p=1187"},"modified":"2020-11-20T11:32:43","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T19:32:43","slug":"macys-thanksgiving-day-parade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.concertarchives.org\/backstagepass\/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade + Top Performances from Years Past"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since our concert options are lacking in 2020, limited mainly to drive-ins and livestreams, the next big \u201clive\u201d event many of us may watch is the Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Admittedly, I\u2019ve never been much for parades (or celebrating Thanksgiving, for that matter), but given how rough this year has been for so many, we\u2019re probably all seeking some comfort in traditions. I thought it\u2019d be fun to take a look back at the history of one of America\u2019s holiday traditions, as well as some of the most notable performances over the years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Macy's
Image from Wikimedia user JonHarder, via CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Origins of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Almost as American as apple pie is the modern tradition of starting your Christmas shopping immediately after (or on!) a day dedicated to thankfulness. In fact, the original Macy\u2019s Thanksgiving Day Parade was actually the \u201cMacy\u2019s Christmas Parade\u201d – an idea started by other department stores to encourage consumers to start thinking about their holiday shopping! The first parade in 1924 featured animals from Central Park Zoo, employees in various costumes, and nursery rhyme themed floats to match the store\u2019s Christmas display. Of course, being a Christmas parade, the first parade ended with Santa on his sleigh, as is still tradition today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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