* Number of participants: This is difficult to quantify, as many parades involve large groups like marching bands and floats with multiple people on each.
* Length of the parade route: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has a long route, but so do some Mardi Gras parades.
* Number of spectators: This is a common metric, but accurate crowd estimates are difficult to get.
Based on a combination of factors, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is widely considered to be one of the largest and most well-known parades in the United States. It boasts a massive number of participants, a long route through NYC, and millions of spectators both in person and watching on TV.
However, other parades with impressive scale include:
* The Rose Parade: Held in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day, featuring elaborate floral floats.
* Mardi Gras parades: Throughout New Orleans and other cities in Louisiana, these parades are known for their vibrant costumes, music, and revelry.
* The Tournament of Roses Parade: A smaller version of the Rose Parade, also held in Pasadena, known for its spectacular floats.
Ultimately, there's no definitive answer to which parade is the "largest" in America. It depends on your definition and criteria. But the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade stands out for its combination of spectacle, tradition, and global reach.