The US Women's Soccer Team Is Getting a Ticker-Tape Parade in New York. Here's What That Means.
Today, New York City will welcome the World Cup-winning US Women's National Team (USWNT) home in style-with a ticker-tape parade, one of the city's most beloved traditions. It'll be the 207th official ticket-tape parade, and the first since 2015, which was also held to celebrate the USWNT's World Cup win. Here's what you should know about the confetti-filled celebration.
The tradition dates back to 1886.
As a group marched along Wall Street, headed to the official unveiling of the Statue of Liberty, workers decided to join in the festivities with what they had on hand: spools of ticker-tape. In the early 20th century, the practice became officially sanctioned.
Ticker-tape parades have been used to welcome foreign dignitaries, celebrate landmark achievements like the Apollo 11 astronauts' return, and more.
Queen Elizabeth was honored with a ticker-tape parade, as were myriad other heads of state from around the world. After completing his landmark flight, Charles Lindbergh received one, as did the Apollo 11 astronauts. Soldiers, too, arrived home from World War I, World War II, and the Korean War amid tons of confetti.
Recently, the celebrations have been held in honor of champion sports teams. Usually, they're reserved for New York-based athletic organizations, but both in 2015 and 2019, the city has made exceptions for the USNWT. American Olympians also sometimes get the ticker-tape treatment.
The mayor is the only person with the power to call a ticker-tape parade.
This time, New York mayor Bill De Blasio explained why the USWNT deserved the celebration. "On and off the field, this team represents what’s best about New York City and our nation," he said, per the Washington Post.
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