New York's annual Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday was successfully celebrated by jam-packed people amid tight security. Security monitoring and coverage during the celebration was tightened due to threats of terrorism following the fatal attacks in Paris almost two weeks ago.

More than a million spectators watched the 89^th Thanksgiving Day Parade which featured marching bands, giant balloons, and festive costumes.

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Macy's had its traditional giant balloons hovering above the parade march.

"They [New York officials] had urged residents and visitors to carry on with holiday plans, saying there were no credible threats to the United States' most populous city," Reuters reported.

Aside from locals, the event was also witnessed by many tourists who braved the alleged threat to watch the parade.

"You can't live in fear. The police officers with guns in Times Square heighten your awareness," said 50-year old Debbie Irey, a tourist from Salem, Oregon.

According to BBC News, the New York Police Department increased its strength with 200 more officers from a new counter-terrorism unit.

"The parade was a way to push back on events around the world that are meant to intimidate," Police Commissioner William Bratton claimed.

During the festive parade, the police arrested a Russian tourist, 41, for flying a drone in Central Park with his 14-year old son. The drone was hovering above near the parade area. Other than this, there were no other suspicious activities or crimes that were monitored during the Thanksgiving Parade.

One of the major highlights of the parade was the appearance of Mariah Carey onboard one of the floats.

"In a Jessica Rabbit-esque red dress and a white fur shrug, Mariah Carey sings All I Want For Christmas atop an advent calendar float," The Guardian said.

Indeed, the Thanksgiving Parade celebration did not fail to entertain and give hope to people that peace and security are still possible despite the imminent threat of terrorism across the globe.

TagsMariah Carey Thanksgiving, 89th Thanksgiving Parade New York, New York Thanksgiving Parade, Thanksgiving Parade 2015