Grogu, most popularly known as The Child or Baby Yoda, is a fictional character from the Disney+ original streaming series, The Mandalorian. Grogu is a toddler and is the same species of unknown alien as Star Wars character Yoda, with whom he shares the strong ability of the Force. The character has become an extremely popular piece of internet pop culture, referred to by many as "Baby Yoda." The Guardian named Grogu "2019's biggest new character."
History with the Macy's Parade[]
Grogu made his Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in the 2021 Parade, soaring down the streets of Manhattan as a Funko Pop!-inspired giant helium balloon. The Grogu balloon emulates the iconic Baby Yoda character in larger-than-life form, measuring 41-feet high, 29-feet long and 37-feet wide, adding pop culture magic for Funko and Star Wars fans across the world. Joining the ballooning behemoth was a novelty balloon of a Shifter Knob, a fixation of the Grogu character.
“The giant balloons in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have always reflected the very best of pop culture and there is no better example of that than Grogu who has become an instant global sensation,” said Will Coss, Executive Producer, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Funko and Lucasfilm on this Funko Pop! version of the beloved character that is sure to delight legions of Star Wars galaxy fans.”
In conjunction with the balloon's debut, a limited-edition Macy’s Parade balloon-inspired product line is available for sale only on Funko.com. Additionally, Macy’s has select items from Funko available for purchase at Macy’s Herald Square, including bobbleheads, keychains and t-shirts.
Grogu would return to the streets of Manhattan in the 2022 Parade as the leader of the fleet to promote two new seasons of The Mandalorian; the balloon made its third appearance the following year and was retired after the procession.
Trivia[]
- Funko made three official Pops of the Grogu balloon, two of which are based on the actual balloon floating, while the other is a simple Macy's Parade Exclusive.