Every November, millions gather to watch larger-than-life balloons, fantastical floats, and live performers travel down the streets of New York City as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event began in 1924 to ring in the holiday shopping season and quickly became a beloved tradition. Because the parade was briefly suspended during World War II, this year will mark the 100th time the event has been held!
Pulling off this parade involves thousands of people, dozens of balloons, and one special element: helium (He). This odorless, colorless gas has a lower density, or mass per unit volume, than air. That’s why helium-filled balloons float! Handlers on the ground use ropes to steer each massive parade balloon. Many balloons are shaped like popular characters from cartoons like KPop Demon Hunters, Pokémon, and One Piece.
Every November, millions gather to watch a spectacle on the streets of New York City. It includes larger-than-life balloons, fantastical floats, and live performers. This is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The event began in 1924 to welcome the holiday shopping season. It quickly became a beloved tradition. During World War II, the parade was briefly suspended. So it will be held for the 100th time this year!
This parade requires thousands of people and dozens of balloons. It also needs one special element: helium (He). This element is an odorless, colorless gas. It has a lower density, or mass per unit volume, than air. That’s why helium-filled balloons float! Handlers work on the ground. They use ropes to steer each massive parade balloon. Many balloons are shaped like popular characters. They’re from cartoons like KPop Demon Hunters, Pokémon, and One Piece.