Olivia Rodrigo’s recently released track “Stupid Song” may suggest that New York City’s “never looked so blue,” but right now, the city is anything but—unless you’re talking about the sea of blue (and orange) Knicks jerseys flooding every corner of the five boroughs. The energy across NYC is unmistakably electric, fueled by one of the most emotional sports victories the city has seen in decades.
The New York Knicks have officially clinched the NBA championship, delivering the franchise’s first title in 53 years after a dramatic Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Led by captain Jalen Brunson, the Knicks overcame a double–digit deficit in classic comeback fashion, sparking celebrations that quickly spilled from Madison Square Garden into streets, parks, bars, and rooftops across the city.
And that celebration is set to reach its peak this Thursday morning, when New York City hosts its first-ever ticker-tape parade for the Knicks—a historic moment that could also become one of the largest parades the city has ever seen.
But amid the excitement, some New York City students have been wondering whether schools might close or Regents exams could be rescheduled to accommodate the festivities.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed that question on Monday, making it clear that while he shares in the city’s excitement, there will be no changes to the academic schedule.
“This is something I cannot repeal,” Mamdani said during an interview with NY1, referring to calls to cancel school or shift exam schedules so students could attend the parade.
His comments come after questions circulated among public school families and students asking for the city to consider rescheduling, particularly with science Regents exams scheduled for Thursday morning, overlapping directly with the parade’s 10 a.m. start time along Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes.
According to the New York State Department of Education website, Regents exams will proceed as planned, with no announced changes.
Even though not everyone will be able to make it to the parade in person, the celebration stretches far beyond Broadway. From living rooms and classrooms to sidewalks, stoops, and office screens, the entire city is sharing in the same joy.
It’s one of those rare New York moments that blurs every boundary, where the energy in the streets reaches every borough, and the pride feels collective, unmistakable, and deeply shared. This isn’t just a parade for those who can attend, it’s a moment that belongs to every New Yorker.
