Tournament of Roses

Tournament of Roses
Name	Tournament of Roses
Caption	Floats in the annual parade on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California.
Genre	Parade, football game, festival
Frequency	Annual
Location	Pasadena, California, United States
First	1890
Founder	Valley Hunt Club
Attendance	~700,000 (live); millions (television)
Organized by	Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association

Tournament of Roses. It is an annual New Year's Day celebration held in Pasadena, California, renowned for its spectacular floral parade and the historic Rose Bowl Game. Organized by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, the event showcases elaborate floats decorated entirely with natural materials like flowers, seeds, and bark. The festivities attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the city's streets and are broadcast to a global television audience, symbolizing the community spirit and horticultural pride of the region.

History

The tradition began in 1890, organized by members of the Valley Hunt Club who sought to promote the mild California winter. Professor Charles F. Holder proposed a festival to showcase Pasadena's blooming roses, dubbing it a "tournament" of games followed by a parade of decorated horse-drawn carriages. The success of this initial event led to the formation of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association in 1895 to manage the growing celebration. Early parades featured archery contests and races, with the first college football game, a predecessor to the Rose Bowl Game, introduced in 1902. The event was canceled only during the World War II years of 1942, 1943, and 1945, resuming in 1946 with the iconic Colorado Boulevard route.

Events and activities

Beyond the main parade and football game, the tournament organizes several public events. These include **Bandfest**, a multi-day exhibition featuring the marching bands scheduled to perform, and **Equestfest**, which highlights the parade's equestrian units. The public can view the intricate process of float construction during the **Decorating Places** tours held at various sites like the Rose Bowl Stadium and the Pasadena Convention Center. The association also hosts the **Rose Bowl Hall of Fame** induction ceremony and numerous community outreach programs throughout the year, engaging local schools and organizations in the festivities.

Parade

The **Rose Parade** is a five-and-a-half-mile procession along Colorado Boulevard featuring magnificent floats, spirited marching bands, and elegant equestrian units. A central rule requires every visible surface of the float to be covered with organic materials, such as roses, orchids, and dried seeds. The parade is led by the **Grand Marshal**, historically notable figures like Amelia Earhart, John Wayne, and Sandra Day O'Connor. Television coverage is provided by major networks like NBC, ABC, and Hallmark Channel, with commentary often originating from KTLA's booth. Thematic designs, such as "Dreams Come True" or "Celebrating Community," guide each year's artistic presentations.

Rose Bowl Game

The **Rose Bowl Game**, nicknamed "The Granddaddy of Them All," is one of the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl games. First played in 1902 between Michigan and Stanford, it became an annual tradition in 1916. Since 1947, the game has often determined the national champion, serving as the host of the BCS National Championship Game and, later, a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. The game is contested in the historic Rose Bowl Stadium, typically featuring the champion of the Big Ten Conference against the champion of the Pac-12 Conference, though formats have varied.

Royal Court

Each year, the association selects a **Rose Queen** and her **Royal Court** from young women in the Pasadena Area Community College District. The selection process involves interviews assessing personality, public speaking, and academic achievement. The Queen and her six Princesses serve as ambassadors for the tournament, attending hundreds of community events, media appearances, and hospital visits throughout the year. Notable past queens include actress and model Nancy Davis and broadcast journalist Stephanie Edwards. The court is traditionally crowned at the **Queen and Court Announcement** ceremony, a highlight of the autumn social calendar.

Cultural impact

The event is deeply ingrained in American culture, representing a New Year's tradition for millions. Its global television broadcast promotes Pasadena and Southern California tourism, significantly impacting the local economy. The parade's emphasis on floral art has influenced similar events worldwide, such as the Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio. It has been referenced in numerous films, including *A Nice Girl Like You* and television shows like *The Simpsons*. The **Rose Bowl Stadium** itself is a National Historic Landmark, having hosted the 1932 Olympic football matches, FIFA World Cup games, and concerts by artists like The Beatles and U2.

Category:Recurring events established in 1890 Category:Culture of Pasadena, California Category:Parades in the United States Category:College football bowl games Category:New Year events in the United States