The
Adelaide Christmas Pageant is a parade held annually in the South Australian capital of
Adelaide. It is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting crowds of over 400,000 and televised to millions more.
Beginning in 1933 as the John Martin's Christmas Pageant, the event is staged in early November every year, usually on a Saturday morning.
Beginning in 1933 as the John Martin's Christmas Pageant the pageant takes place in the
Adelaide city centre, along a 3.35 kilometre route which commences on King William Street at South Terrace, and concludes on North Terrace, where from Father Christmas proceeds to the Magic
Cave, originally in the John Martin's building, and now in the rebuilt David Jones building on the same site.
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The pageant was founded by Sir Edward Hayward , owner of the
Adelaide department store John Martin's, who was inspired by the Toronto Santa Claus Parade and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He opened the first pageant on 18 November 1933 at the height of the Great Depression. It was a success, running for around 40 minutes with just 8 floats and 3 bands, it attracted 200,000 spectators. Father Christmas was introduced in 1934 and tradition of the pageant finishing at the Magic
Cave (itself created in 1905) was established.
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During the war years of 1941-1944, the pageant was in abeyance. It was restored in 1945. By 1969, the event had grown significantly, with attendances reaching 500,000 and television broadcasting commencing. In 1979, the largest induction of new floats took place, with 16 joining the pageant.
Today, the pageant is managed by Events South Australia, a division of the South Australian Tourism Commission. It comprises a procession of 75 sets and 1,700 volunteers, including 57 floats, 15 bands, 164 clowns, dancing groups, and walking performers, all culminating in the arrival of Father Christmas.
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.