New Faces, Old Traditions: The Macy’s Parade Gets a Modern Makeover

New Characters, Classic Traditions

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is celebrating its 99th year with a modern twist. This year, say goodbye to Popeye and Olive Oyl, as newer, trendier characters take the spotlight.

Giant Labubu and the Demogorgon

Down Central Park West, spectators will see a giant Labubu and the Demogorgon floating by. Labubu is a popular plush toy, while the Demogorgon is a fearsome demon from a well-known Netflix show.

Evolving Traditions

The parade has always been about confetti, marching bands, and Santa, but it’s evolving. Today’s parade is different from the ones of the past. New characters, like the animal sidekicks from the hit movie “KPop Demon Hunters” and giant Labubu purse charms, are taking center stage. These new additions are replacing icons from previous generations.

Keeping the Parade Relevant

The parade’s executive producer, Will Coss, explained that they are adding new elements to keep the parade relevant. This year, there’s a float featuring the Demogorgon from “Stranger Things” and a Lego float that fans can recreate at home. Popeye, who last appeared in the parade in 1980, is taking a break. He’s spending the day in a Macy’s warehouse in New Jersey.

A Mix of Old and New

The parade is a mix of old and new. It’s a chance to see what’s popular right now while still enjoying the classic elements that have made the parade a tradition for nearly a century. It’s a way to connect the past with the present, showing how traditions can evolve while still staying true to their roots.