The Most Popular Parade, Ranked

Choose the parade you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 7, 2024 06:46
People often turn to parades as a source of entertainment, enrichment, and cultural celebration. Knowing which parade tops the list can help attendees decide which event might offer them the most joy and satisfaction. By ranking parades, individuals can better plan their experiences around those that have received the highest praise and popularity from the public. On this site, you have the power to influence which parades are seen as the most beloved through your votes. Every vote contributes to the real-time updates of the rankings, ensuring that the list is always reflective of current public opinion. Your participation not only helps others in choosing their next great parade experience but also supports the recognition of exceptional parade organizations.

What Is the Most Popular Parade?

  1. 1
    54
    votes
    Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
    Jon Harder · CC BY 2.5

    Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

    Anthony Tony Sarg
    This is one of the most well-known parades in the world, featuring floats, balloons, and performances by celebrities. It is held annually on Thanksgiving Day in New York City.
    The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual event held on Thanksgiving Day in New York City. It is considered one of the most popular and iconic parades in the United States. The parade features impressive floats, giant balloons, marching bands, celebrities, and performances from various artists. It is a celebration that officially kicks off the holiday season in America.
    • Date: Thanksgiving Day
    • Location: New York City
    • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
    • Floats: Dozens of intricately designed floats
    • Balloons: Giant character balloons of popular figures
    Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in other rankings
  2. 2
    36
    votes
    Also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, this is an annual parade held in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day. It is famous for its floats made entirely of flowers and is broadcast on national television.
    The Rose Parade is an annual parade held in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day. It is known for its elaborate floats adorned with fresh flowers and vibrant colors, marching bands, and equestrian units.
    • Location: Pasadena, California
    • Frequency: Annual
    • Date: January 1st
    • First Parade: 1890
    • Floats: More than 40 floats
  3. 3
    26
    votes
    Carnival is a festive season that occurs before Lent in many countries around the world. It is known for its colorful parades, costumes, and music. The most famous Carnival celebrations are held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and New Orleans, Louisiana.
    Carnival in Puerto Rico is a vibrant and lively celebration that showcases the rich culture and traditions of the island. It is a month-long extravaganza filled with colorful parades, vibrant music, stunning costumes, and contagious energy. The streets come alive with the sound of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton, as locals and tourists join together to dance, sing, and celebrate the spirit of Puerto Rico.
    • Duration: Month-long celebration
    • Costumes: Elaborate and colorful costumes, often portraying historical, mythical, or cultural themes
    • Parades: Multiple parades throughout the celebration, featuring floats, dancing groups, and music bands
    • Music: Diverse range of music genres, including salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and traditional Puerto Rican rhythms
    • Traditional Masks: Use of traditional masks, such as the Vejigante masks, representing different characters
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    This parade is held on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, in cities around the world. It celebrates the Irish culture and heritage, and is known for its green decorations and costumes. The largest St. Patrick's Day Parade is held in New York City.
    The St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the most popular parades celebrated around the world in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a festive event that takes place annually on March 17th, the traditional death date of St. Patrick. The parade features vibrant displays of Irish culture, music, dance, and floats parading through the streets of cities with large Irish communities.
    • Location: Parades are held in various cities worldwide, with notable parades in Dublin, New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Sydney.
    • Irish Heritage: The parade celebrates Irish heritage, culture, and the contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants.
    • Green Theme: Participants and spectators often wear green clothing or accessories as a symbol of Irish pride.
    • Marching Bands: The parade features marching bands playing traditional Irish music and other festive tunes.
    • Dancers: Irish step dancers showcase their skill and perform traditional Irish dances.
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    This parade is held in many cities around the world to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It features dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and other traditional Chinese performances. The largest Chinese New Year Parade is held in San Francisco, California.
    The Chinese New Year Parade is one of the most popular parades celebrated worldwide. It is a vibrant and colorful event that marks the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar year. The parade is a festive showcase of Chinese culture, traditions, and performances, attracting both locals and tourists from all walks of life.
    • Location: The parade takes place in major cities with significant Chinese communities, such as San Francisco, London, Sydney, and Hong Kong.
    • Date: The parade usually occurs on the first day of the Chinese lunar new year, which falls between late January and mid-February.
    • Duration: The parade typically lasts for several hours, with various stages, performances, and activities throughout the day.
    • Traditional Elements: The parade features traditional Chinese lion and dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural performances, and music.
    • Colorful Decorations: The streets and floats of the parade are adorned with vibrant decorations, including lanterns, flowers, Chinese symbols, and traditional costumes.
  6. 6
    11
    votes

    Gay Pride Parade

    Brenda Howard
    This parade is held in many cities around the world to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. It is known for its colorful floats, costumes, and music, and is often the site of political activism. The largest Gay Pride Parade is held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
    The Gay Pride Parade is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes their rights. It is a colorful and vibrant parade where people from different cities gather to show support, raise awareness, and advocate for equality and inclusion.
    • Location: Various cities worldwide
    • Date: Typically held in June
    • Attendance: Millions of participants and spectators
    • Parade Route: Traversing through major streets of the city
    • Rainbow Colors: Prominent in costumes, banners, and flags
  7. 7
    18
    votes
    This parade is held on July 4th in many cities around the United States to celebrate the country's independence. It is known for its patriotic decorations and performances, and often features military personnel and equipment.
    The Independence Day Parade is a highly popular parade that takes place annually in celebration of Independence Day in the United States.
    • Location: It is held in major cities and towns throughout the country.
    • Date: The parade typically takes place on July 4th, the day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
    • Participants: The parade features a diverse range of participants, including marching bands, military units, veterans groups, local organizations, community floats, and various performers.
    • Theme: Each year, a specific theme is chosen to reflect the values and history of the United States.
    • Floats: Elaborate floats adorned with patriotic decorations and symbols are a prominent feature of the parade.
  8. 8
    5
    votes
    This parade is held in New Orleans, Louisiana during the Carnival season. It is known for its colorful floats, costumes, and music, and is often the site of wild parties and celebrations.
    The Mardi Gras Parade is a vibrant and lively carnival procession celebrated in multiple cities around the world. It is a key part of the Mardi Gras festival, also known as Fat Tuesday, which marks the end of the Carnival season and the beginning of Lent in many cultures. The parade is filled with elaborate floats, costumed performers, music, dance, and enthusiastic crowds.
    • Duration: The parade usually lasts several hours, with continuous entertainment and floats passing by.
    • Floats: The parade features a multitude of colorful and intricately designed floats, often carrying performers or carrying large figures representing different themes.
    • Costumes: Participants and performers adorn vibrant, extravagant costumes, often incorporating feathers, sequins, masks, and thematic elements.
    • Music: Live bands, marching bands, or DJs perform energetic music, including traditional tunes, jazz, samba, or other festive genres.
    • Throwing of Trinkets: During the parade, participants on floats toss a variety of trinkets and souvenirs, such as beads, doubloons, cups, and toys, to the watching crowd.
  9. 9
    4
    votes

    Oktoberfest Parade

    City of Munich
    This parade is held in Munich, Germany to kick off the annual Oktoberfest celebration. It features floats, marching bands, and traditional Bavarian costumes.
    The Oktoberfest Parade is a grand procession that forms a highlight of the annual Oktoberfest festival in Munich, Germany. It showcases a dazzling display of tradition, culture, and entertainment, drawing millions of spectators from around the world.
    • Origin: Munich, Germany
    • Year started: 1810
    • Duration: Several hours
    • Route length: Approximately 7.5 kilometers
    • Number of participants: Around 9,000
  10. 10
    12
    votes

    Bastille Day Parade

    French Government
    This parade is held in Paris, France on July 14th to celebrate the country's national holiday. It features military personnel and equipment, as well as cultural performances and floats.
    The Bastille Day Parade, also known as the 14 July Parade or the French National Day Parade, is an annual military parade held in Paris, France. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution.
    • Location: Champs-Élysées, Paris
    • Date: July 14th
    • Duration: Approximately 2 hours
    • Participants: French Armed Forces, Foreign armies, Military vehicles
    • Flyovers: Jet fighters, Helicopters

Missing your favorite parade?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular parade

  1. Attendance
    The number of spectators who attend the parade, either in person or via live broadcasts, is a crucial factor in determining the parade's popularity.
  2. History and tradition
    The history and longevity of a parade contribute to its popularity. Parades that have been held for many years or even decades often become more popular due to their historical significance and the traditions that have formed around them.
  3. Cultural significance
    Parades that are associated with significant cultural, religious, or national events are often more popular because they resonate with a broader audience.
  4. Media coverage
    The amount and quality of media coverage that a parade receives can affect its popularity. Parades that are widely covered by local, national, or international media outlets are more likely to be known and popular.
  5. Size and scale
    The size, length, and the spectacle of the parade, including the number of participants, floats, and other attractions, can contribute to its popularity. Bigger and more elaborate parades tend to be more popular.
  6. Quality and creativity
    The artistic merit and creativity involved in designing and executing the parade can play a significant role in its popularity. Parades that feature unique, eye-catching, and memorable floats and performances are generally more popular.
  7. Celebrity involvement
    The presence of celebrities, either as participants or attendees, can affect the parade's popularity. High-profile figures can draw more attention and interest in the event, increasing its overall popularity.
  8. Economic impact
    The economic impact of a parade, including tourist dollars, local business revenue, and job creation, can contribute to its popularity. Parades that bring substantial economic benefits to the hosting city or community are more likely to be well-regarded and popular.
  9. Community participation and support
    The level of engagement and support from the local community, including volunteers, sponsors, and local organizations, can affect the popularity of a parade. Parades that enjoy strong support from their communities are usually more popular.
  10. Inclusivity and diversity
    Parades that celebrate and promote inclusivity, diversity, and social causes can be more popular, especially if these values resonate with a broader audience. These parades can also attract more significant media attention, further boosting their popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular parade. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or parade is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3395 views
  • 209 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each parade once every 24 hours. The rank of each parade is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular parade

Parades have been an integral part of human celebrations for centuries. From religious processions to cultural festivals, parades have always been a way to bring people together and celebrate as a community. Today, parades continue to be a popular form of entertainment and a way to showcase cultural diversity. With so many parades taking place around the world, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. However, by analyzing the number of participants, spectators, and media coverage, we can get a better idea of which parades have captured the hearts of people worldwide. So, which parade will come out on top? Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular parades around the world.

Share this article