Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Resulting in Arrests “`

NEW YORK — Despite heavy rain and a brief interruption by pro-Palestinian protesters, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade celebrated its centennial on Thursday.

Following a protest where demonstrators breached barricades and occupied the parade route, New York City police reported 21 arrests. Protesters displayed Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Don’t Celebrate Genocide,” chanting “Free, free Palestine!” as a large Ronald McDonald balloon approached them on Sixth Avenue.

Similar demonstrations against the Israeli-Gaza conflict also disrupted last year’s parade.

Inclement weather added ponchos and umbrellas to the usual spectacle of giant balloons, floats, and celebrity performances.

This year’s parade showcased new Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse balloons, floats with zoo and pasta themes, a tribute to New York City bagels and coffee, and performances by Jennifer Hudson, Idina Menzel, and Kylie Minogue, among others.

This event marked a significant contrast to the parade’s inaugural event a century prior, which featured floats depicting classic fairy tales like Mother Goose and Red Riding Hood.

However, some traditions endured. Similar to 1924, marching bands, clowns, and the arrival of Santa Claus concluded the festivities.

The parade included 17 giant balloons, 22 floats, 15 novelty and heritage inflatables, 11 marching bands from various states, 700 clowns, 10 performance groups, renowned singers and actors, and the WNBA champion New York Liberty.

Other notable participants included Ariana Madix, T-Pain, Dan + Shay, The War and Treaty, The Temptations, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Lea Salonga, and Alison Brie.

One new float highlighted Rao’s, depicting a pasta-constructed knight and dragon. Another celebrated the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary with representations of various animals.

“The opportunity to bring joy to millions on Thanksgiving morning motivates us,” stated Will Coss, the parade’s executive producer.

The 2.5-mile parade route extended from Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Macy’s Herald Square, which served as a performance backdrop.

NBC’s Al Roker participated before joining Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb for the remainder of the broadcast. Cynthia Erivo presented Kotb with flowers, marking a potential end to her parade appearances.

The rain did not halt the event—the parade has only been canceled three times, during World War II—though organizers monitored wind speeds to ensure balloon safety.

Temperatures were around 50ºF (10ºC), with rain and winds around 10 mph (16 kph), well below the city’s limits for balloon flight. City regulations prohibit full-size balloon flight if sustained winds exceed 23 mph (37 kph) or gusts surpass 35 mph (56 kph).