Pokémon Unveils New Balloon for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Pikachu and Eevee team up for new balloon design during Pokémon’s 25th anniversary.

October 18, 2021

For the first time, two Pokémon will soar through the skies of Manhattan during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Pokémon Company International and Macy’s announced Pikachu will be joined by Eevee in a new balloon design. The two Pokémon will be featured on a giant Poké Ball-inspired sled and dressed in cold-weather apparel as they make their way high above the parade route.

“Pikachu and Eevee are the perfect ambassadors to represent the fun and joy of Pokémon in this new balloon debuting during the brand’s 25th anniversary year,” says Colin Palmer, vice president of marketing, The Pokémon Company International. “Pikachu remains an icon of the brand and its annual appearance in the Macy’s Parade has been delighting fans and families for decades. The introduction of Eevee, known for its unique Evolution abilities, is the perfect Pokémon friend to join Pikachu and represent the brand as we look to the future and all of the fun and adventures which are yet to come.”

Pokémon first appeared

in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2001 and three versions of a Pikachu balloon have been featured previously. The introduction of Eevee marks the fourth Pokémon balloon and the first time another Pokémon from the global entertainment franchise joins the electric-type Pokémon. Eevee was one of the first 151 Pokémon discovered when the brand launched in 1996.

“The Pokémon balloon has become a mainstay of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and one which fans and families look forward to year after year,” says Jordan Dabby, producer, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “As Pikachu prepares to brighten the Parade route for the 21st consecutive year, we’d like to welcome Eevee to the Macy’s Parade as we look forward to them both delighting viewers for many years to come.”

The new balloon is another celebratory moment for Pokémon during its 25th anniversary year. The Pokémon Company International kicked off the anniversary campaign at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2020 with a troupe of dancing Pikachu and Pokémon Trainers revealing the logo for the initiative. Since then, activations such as P25 Music and new offerings across Pokémon’s portfolio of video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, animation, merchandise and more have been introduced to the brand’s millions of fans around the world.

Pokémon fans can learn more about the 25th anniversary celebrations across the franchise at Pokemon.com/25 and join the conversation online with @Pokemon and #Pokemon25.

The Pokémon Company International is exhibiting at Brand Licensing Europe. 

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