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A Look Back at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade's Most Iconic Balloons
October 27, 2024, 10:22.34 am ET

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Photo: Felix the Cat 1927/Macy's

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has a rich history of giant balloons, starting with Felix the Cat in 1927, the first character balloon to debut. Created by the parade's organizers, this iconic feline was filled with helium and allowed to float away at the end of the parade, marking the beginning of a beloved tradition. The 1930s and 1940s saw the introduction of other notable balloons, including the first Uncle Sam balloon, which represented patriotism during the Great Depression. Over the decades, the parade has showcased a variety of beloved characters, evolving to include modern favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants and Pikachu. Today, these giant balloons remain a central highlight of the parade, captivating audiences with their designs and sheer size. Here are a few of those iconic balloons courtesy of Macy’s.


Photo: Mickey Mouse 1934/Macy's


Photo: Uncle Sam Balloon 1940s/Macy's


Photo: Santa Balloon 1940/Macy's


Photo: Pink Panther 1988/Macy's


Photo: Kermit the Frog Balloon 2002/Macy's


Photo: Humpty Dumpty Balloon 2005/Macy's


Photo: Tim Burton's B. 2011/Macy's

The 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held on November 28th. Stay Tuned!

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