For the first time the Damien Spartan Regiment Marching Band was selected to perform in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, representing the state of California.

“Each year, the Macy’s Parade Band Committee looks for bands that have the stage presence, musical and marching abilities to captivate millions of live spectators and viewers nationwide,” read a Damien news release.

The band was selected from more than 100 applicants as one of nine to march in the 99th annual holiday parade.

“This is a historic honor for not only our Spartan Regiment, but for our school as a whole,” said band Director JJ Magallon. “The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most iconic holiday event of the year. We cannot be more grateful to Macy’s for giving our students and Damien High School the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on one of the biggest stages in the world.”

As part of the announcement, Macy’s presented The Damien Spartan Regiment with $10,000 in fundraising kick off funds. The band will spend the next 18 months planning and fundraising for their appearance.