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The parade is an annual holiday event organized by Macy’s — floats, giant character balloons, marching bands, clowns, performers — that marks the start of the holiday season in New York City.
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It began in 1924 (originally called “Macy’s Christmas Parade”) to drum up interest for holiday shopping, and since then it — with a few exceptions during World War II — has become a beloved tradition.
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Over decades it grew into a massive spectacle combining festive balloons, floats, musical and dance performances, and even seasonal iconography (e.g. Santa Claus), becoming strongly associated with American Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions.