Everyone Loves a Parade
Writen by: James Long
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been taking place for more than 100 years. It is an intergenerational tradition that drew approximately 34 million viewers this past year, an increase of 8% from the previous year. We just love it! This year’s Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, a New Year’s Day classic, will celebrate its 137th anniversary. It features dozens of floral floats, marching bands and celebrities from around the world.
While recently visiting a friend in Georgia, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Cartersville Christmas Parade. It took quite some time to find parking and locate my friend and his family. The small town was absolutely packed; there were no available parking spaces anywhere. The parade truly included everyone. Nearly every small business in town seemed to have a truck, trailer, van or float in the parade. Local towing companies, insurance agencies, HVAC businesses, roofing and plumbing companies and area churches all heralded a merry Christmas. The streets along the parade route were lined with spectators. Trucks and semis with trailers and floats rolled by as participants waved, tossed candy and gave high fives along the route. It is a tradition that has been going on for more than a generation and continues to grow year by year. The steady stream of Christmas cheer seemed unending and at one point my friend’s daughter remarked that it looked like it would last until midnight!
A nearby neighborhood also hosts an annual Fourth of July parade that is simply the coolest. It features classic cars, family vehicles and trucks, with participants waving flags and singing patriotic songs.
A Spanish-speaking colleague of mine recently shared one of their favorite Christmas traditions, Rosca de Reyes, which often includes a parade. The tradition celebrates the Three Kings bringing gifts to the Christ child and involves sharing a special ring-shaped sweet bread known as Rosca de Reyes (“Wreath of the Kings”). The bread contains a small, often ceramic figure of the baby Jesus hidden inside. Communities gather for parades known as cabalgatas on the evening of January 5 where actors dressed as the Three Kings toss candy to children lining the streets. How cool is that?
Whatever 2026 brings, I hope it brings more parades. Happy New Year everyone!
