For the first time in 94 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be a virtual event rather than a crowded celebration filled with shivering New Yorkers.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday that the in-person parade would not be taking place this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. He said that the city will still partner with Macy’s to put together a “different kind of event” that will air on television to keep the holiday tradition alive.
“It will not be the same parade we’re used to,” de Blasio said during a press conference. “It will be a different kind of event. They are reinventing the event for this moment in history, and you will be able to feel the spirit and the joy of that day on television, online — not a live parade, but something that will really give us that warmth and that great feeling we have on Thanksgiving Day.”
De Blasio thanked Macy’s and noted that the company already reenvisioned the Independence Day fireworks display to allow for social distancing throughout the city earlier this year, and he said he is confident that they will be able to do the same for Thanksgiving.
“One of the most beloved events every year is the Thanksgiving Day parade, and I always want to express my appreciation to everyone at Macy’s. They are extraordinarily civically minded. They care about New York City. We saw what they did on July Fourth with an amazing fireworks display. Even with all the challenges we were up against, they found a way to do it in a way that celebrated our country and our city. It gave us hope but did it safely,” he said.
