Bellevue, Wash.—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, Inc. announced that Pikachu will be joined by Eevee in a new balloon design revealed today. 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, helping fans and families welcome in the holiday season.
“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,” said Colin Palmer, vice president of marketing for 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 previously featured. The introduction of Eevee marks the fourth Pokémon balloon and the first time another Pokémon from the global entertainment franchise will join the iconic Electric-type Pokémon. Eevee is a Normal-type Pokémon that’s able to alter the composition of its body to suit its surrounding environment, allowing it to evolve into a greater number of variations than any other Pokémon. Eevee was one of the first 151 Pokémon discovered when the brand launched in 1996 and has become one of the most recognizable Pokémon in the franchise.
“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,” said Jordan Dabby, producer of the 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 massive 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, signaling to fans that it had big plans to celebrate 25 years of Pokémon in 2021. 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 all of the 25th anniversary celebrations across the franchise at Pokemon.com/25 and join the conversation online with @Pokemon and #Pokemon25.
About Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.
About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world famous holiday event. For more than 90 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade features Macy’s signature giant character balloons, fabulous floats, incredible marching bands, celebrities, clowns, dance and performance groups, and the one and only Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer. For more information on the Macy’s Parade, please visit www.macys.com/parade.
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