Tournament of Roses Parade

Tournament of Roses Parade
Name	Tournament of Roses Parade
Caption	A floral float in the parade
Genre	Parade
Frequency	Annual
Location	Pasadena, California
First	1890
Founder	Valley Hunt Club
Website	https://tournamentofroses.com/

Tournament of Roses Parade. It is an annual New Year's Day parade held in Pasadena, California, renowned for its elaborate floats decorated entirely with natural materials like flowers, seeds, and bark. The event was first organized in 1890 by members of the Valley Hunt Club to showcase the region's mild winter climate. Since 1902, the parade has been traditionally followed by the Rose Bowl Game, a major college football contest, forming a iconic holiday tradition in Southern California.

History

The inaugural event was staged on January 1, 1890, by Professor Charles F. Holder of the Valley Hunt Club, inspired by festivals in Nice and Italy. Initially featuring horse-drawn carriages covered in flowers and followed by athletic competitions, it was designed to promote the City of Pasadena. In 1895, the Tournament of Roses Association was formed to manage the growing event. A pivotal moment occurred in 1902 when the association added a college football game, which later evolved into the Rose Bowl Game after the 1916 contest was moved to the newly constructed Rose Bowl stadium. The parade has been held annually except during the World War II years of 1942, 1943, and 1945.

Event description

The procession travels along a 5.5-mile route on Colorado Boulevard and adjacent streets in Pasadena. It begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, proceeding east past the iconic Pasadena City Hall before concluding near Villa Street. The parade is defined by its spectacular floats, which must be covered entirely in organic materials such as roses, orchids, and straw. Other key elements include high-stepping marching bands from across the nation, elegant equestrian units, and celebrity guests riding in classic automobiles. The theme changes each year, with recent examples including "Dream. Believe. Achieve." and "The Melody of Life."

Parade participants

Participation is by invitation from the Tournament of Roses Association. Float entries are primarily sponsored by major corporations like Samsung and Trader Joe's, international cities such as Shanghai and Vancouver, and volunteer organizations. Notable perennial participants include the City of Burbank and the Lions Clubs International. The marching bands are selected through a competitive application process, with featured groups often including the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band and the University of Michigan Marching Band. Equestrian units, like those from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department or the New Mexico Mounted Patrol, add a traditional element.

Royal Court and Rose Queen

Each year, a Rose Queen and her Royal Court are selected from young women in the Pasadena Area Community College District. The selection process involves interviews and assessments of poise, public speaking, and academic achievement. The Queen and her six Princesses serve as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses Association, making hundreds of appearances at hospitals, schools, and community events throughout the year. They ride on a dedicated float during the procession, often designed with a fairy-tale or regal motif. This tradition dates back to 1905, with notable past queens including actress Nancy Sinatra and journalist Lisa Guerrero.

Television and media coverage

The event is broadcast live nationally in the United States on major networks including ABC, NBC, and Univision. KTLA, a local station in Los Angeles, has provided coverage since 1947, making it one of the longest-running televised events in history. International broadcasters like NHK in Japan and BBC in the United Kingdom also air the parade. Commentary is typically provided by hosts from network morning shows, such as *Today (American TV program)* and Good Morning America, who interview float designers and celebrity grand marshals like honorees Sandra Day O'Connor and John Williams.

Related events

The most directly associated event is the Rose Bowl Game, traditionally part of the New Year's Six and often serving as a College Football Playoff semifinal. In the days leading up to the parade, public viewing of the float decoration takes place at various "decorating barns" and at Rosemont Pavilion. The Tournament of Roses Association also organizes the Bandfest exhibition for participating marching bands and the Equestfest showcase for horse units. Other related festivities in Pasadena include the Rose Bowl Flea Market and the Pasadena Symphony's annual concert.

Category:Parades in the United States Category:Tournament of Roses Category:Recurring events established in 1890 Category:Pasadena, California