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Thanksgiving: Millions celebrate in shadow of coronavirus

Reuters Participants gather ahead of the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Photo: 26 November 2020Reuters
The popular Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City was held without spectators this year

Americans have been holding subdued celebrations for Thanksgiving, as the country grapples with its coronavirus epidemic - one of the world's worst.

Some traditions have continued, like the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, which was closed to spectators.

Getty Images Go Bowling balloonicles at the 94th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on 26 November 2020 in New York CityGetty Images
The floats were still on flamboyant display despite the lack of crowds
Reuters People look on from behind a fence during the 94th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Photo: 26 November 2020Reuters
Those who ignored official warnings and came to see the procession were stopped by police barriers
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade went ahead - with a few changes

Many have also travelled home to celebrate the holiday, despite warnings from health officials.

More than three million people are reported to have travelled through US airports from Friday to Sunday in what was the busiest travel weekend since the outbreak began in mid-March.

EPA Passengers at San Francisco airport. Photo: 25 November 2020EPA
The number of air passengers in the US has increased dramatically in recent days

But the number is around half the usual figure for Thanksgiving travel, and many people have opted out of seeing friends and family for the holiday.

Many still managed to mark the occasion in different ways.

Getty Images Couple dine outdoors in individual tents in the West Village, New York City, on 26 November 2020Getty Images
Individual tent pods were erected at this restaurant in NYC's West Village

For those living in sunnier climes, it was a bit easier to socialise outdoors.

Getty Images The Liggett family dine outside in Manhattan Beach, California, on 26 November 2020Getty Images
This family in California's Manhattan Beach enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner outside
Getty Images Uncle and nephew sled down a sand dune in Hermosa Beach, California, on 26 November 2020Getty Images
Thanksgiving fun to be had on Hermosa Beach in California

Thanksgiving, which sees Americans gather with their families for festivities on a scale rivalling Christmas, falls on the fourth Thursday of November. This year is the holiday's 400th anniversary.

Reuters People queue to get free meals from volunteers in Washington DC. Photo: 26 November 2020Reuters
In Washington DC, volunteers distributed free meals to those in need
EPA Visitors take pictures at Yosemite National Park, California. Photo: 26 November 2020EPA
...and California's popular Yosemite National Park was left virtually empty during the festivities

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