[Photo] 'Baby Shark' Appears in New York Sky... Crowds Gather at US Thanksgiving Parade

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "Baby Shark dudududududu Baby Shark dudududududu." On the 24th (local time), as the 'Baby Shark' balloon floated in the sky over Central Park West in Manhattan, New York, children who came to watch the Thanksgiving parade immediately started humming the song.

The Macy's parade held annually on Thanksgiving Day in New York has served as the signal for the start of the holiday season in the United States since 1924. It is one of the largest parades held in the U.S. It has been held every year except for a few times such as during World War II. Right after the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade was held without allowing spectators to approach, but it returned to normal from last year.

The event starts at 9 a.m., but some spectators filled the 4 km section from Central Park West to Herald Square, where the parade takes place, early to secure good spots. At 9 a.m., when the large Macy's turkey balloon, the 'first batter,' appeared with the music of the band at the parade starting point in the Upper West Side area, the spectators all cheered loudly.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

This year’s 96th parade featured 27 large balloons, 12 more than last year, as well as 28 decorated parade vehicles, 12 traditional marching bands, 10 performance groups, 700 clowns, and Santa Claus.

Famous cartoon characters such as SpongeBob, The Smurfs, and Boss Baby, as well as advertising stars like McDonald's clown mascot (Ronald McDonald) and the Pillsbury Doughboy, all appeared, filling the sky visible between Manhattan’s skyscrapers. This event was also the Macy's parade debut for the animation characters Bluey, especially popular among kindergarteners, and Baby Shark. The debut of 'Striker,' commemorating the World Cup, also drew attention. The soccer player balloon, as tall as a two-story building, was designed in a shooting pose.

The Associated Press reported, "Bluey’s balloon is as tall as a four-story building and as wide as seven taxis," describing the atmosphere as "colorful balloons lined up along New York’s streets." The New York Times (NYT) reported that there are as many as 6,000 parade volunteers and that usually more than 3 million spectators join the parade. The parade was broadcast live on TV through NBC and Peacock streaming.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Additionally, American singer-songwriter and broadcaster Paula Abdul, indie pop band Fitz and The Tantrums, boy band Big Time Rush, and famous TV host Jimmy Fallon also joined the parade. The finale was decorated by Mariah Carey singing the carol "All I Want for Christmas Is You" at Macy’s store in Herald Square.

Thanksgiving began in 1621 when British Puritans who settled in America harvested crops in the fall, stored grains, and held a thanksgiving ceremony to God. Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans enjoy the holiday by eating turkey dishes and more. At the White House, there is also an event where the president pardons a turkey. The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the largest discount shopping event.

On this day, U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden conveyed via a phone connection with broadcasters, "We hope you have a happy Thanksgiving," and added, "We want to express our gratitude to those who never rest, such as firefighters and police officers. May God bless the military as well."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Unlike last year when the pandemic’s effects remained, this year’s parade did not require participants to be vaccinated. Instead, participants had to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours prior. Amid a recent rise in COVID-19 cases, it was difficult to find people wearing masks among the spectators on the street that day.