She Watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Every Year as a Kid. She Recalls the ‘Pinch Me’ Moment She Got to Be a Part of It (Exclusive)

Vicky De Cardenas Reflects on ‘Pinch Me’ Moment in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Vicky De Cardenas, a volunteer balloon handler at last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, recently shared her enchanting experience in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Recounting the whirlwind schedule for balloon handlers on Thanksgiving morning, De Cardenas described her participation as a surreal and unforgettable moment.

Growing up in Miami, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held a special place in De Cardenas’ heart as a cherished tradition. She vividly recalls watching the parade on TV with her family while they prepared for a Thanksgiving feast. A pivotal memory for her was at the age of 15 when her family visited New York City during Thanksgiving weekend and witnessed the parade in person, marveling at the towering balloons navigating through the city streets.

Despite being more than twice the age she was during her first parade experience, the 31-year-old De Cardenas still retains her awe for the iconic American event. Last year marked a significant milestone as she secured the opportunity to be a balloon handler, a role she had long dreamed of fulfilling. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed her disbelief and gratitude for being part of such a monumental occasion.

Securing a spot as a balloon handler was no easy feat, as De Cardenas explained. With her sister working for Macy’s as a beauty buyer, they were fortunate to obtain tickets through the company’s lottery for themselves and their father. The anticipation and excitement leading up to the parade were palpable as they received detailed instructions and assignments, including handling the Monkey D. Luffy balloon.

On the morning of Thanksgiving, De Cardenas and her family members braved the early hours and inclement weather to gather with hundreds of other balloon handlers in Midtown Manhattan. Clad in their distinctive red jumpsuits adorned with a skull and crossbones bib, they eagerly awaited their turn to walk the balloon down the parade route. Despite the rain and cold, De Cardenas described a shared sense of joy and camaraderie among all the participants.

As the parade commenced, De Cardenas and her family found themselves amidst the vibrant festivities, accompanied by the marching band and iconic NBC anchors. The sight of spectators eagerly anticipating the parade, especially children, struck a chord with De Cardenas, as she realized the profound impact of creating lasting memories for others, akin to her own childhood experiences.

After a swift and exhilarating hour and a half, the parade concluded, leading to a chaotic but coordinated effort to deflate their balloon promptly. Wrapping up their duties, they returned their costumes and then dispersed to enjoy the remainder of Thanksgiving with a newfound appreciation for the parade’s logistics and dedicated participants.

Despite not participating as a balloon handler this year, De Cardenas acknowledged that her previous involvement had deepened her admiration for the parade’s intricate orchestration. Reflecting on her ‘pinch me’ moment from the previous year, she expressed gratitude and reverence for the opportunity to contribute to such a cherished tradition, emphasizing the collective effort required to uphold its magic.

As she looks forward to this year’s parade, De Cardenas reflects on her unforgettable experience with a sense of wonder and pride, embodying the spirit of gratitude and community that defines the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.