Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York disrupted by Gaza protest for second year running

The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York has been disrupted by protests over the conflict in Gaza for the second year running.

The steady rain drenching the city didn’t put New Yorkers off celebrating the 98th running of the event, with ponchos and umbrellas much in evidence amid the traditional assortment of balloons, floats, live performances, and marching bands.

But New York City police said they arrested 21 people after protesters sat down and tried to block the parade route just ahead of the Ronald McDonald float.

They were carrying Palestinian flags and a banner with the message: “Don’t Celebrate Genocide” and “Arms embargo now!”

After the group ignored a request to leave, a team of bicycle-riding officers arrived and clashes occurred before they were moved on, a Reuters witness said.

People protesting against Israel’s war in Gaza also interrupted last year’s parade.

The annual event was still well attended, despite the weather and protest disruption.

Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Hudson were among the singers performing and the festivities were rounded off by Santa Claus arriving on a giant sleigh.

Hip-hop artists and a country duo were also among the performers, along with The Temptations, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, and Glow star Alison Brie.

The parade featured new versions of Spider-Man and Minnie Mouse among its 17 giant, helium-filled character balloons.

The 22 themed floats included a homage to Big Apple coffee and bagels, while another celebrated the Bronx Zoo’s 125th anniversary with representations of a tiger, a giraffe, a zebra, and a gorilla.

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The procession followed a 2.5 mile (4km) route from West 77th Street and Central Park West on Manhattan’s Upper West Side to Macy’s flagship store on 34th Street.