The 136th Rose Parade in Pasadena Celebrates ‘Best Day Ever’ on New Year’s Day
It’s that time of year again when the streets of Pasadena come alive with color, music, and celebration as the 136th Rose Parade is set to kick off at 8 a.m. PST on New Year’s Day. This year’s parade theme of “Best Day Ever” promises to bring joy, smiles, and warm hearts to the anticipated crowd of hundreds of thousands lining the 5.5-mile route along Colorado Boulevard in the heart of Old Pasadena.
A Dream Come True: Billie Jean King as Grand Marshal
Leading the parade as grand marshal this year is tennis icon and gender equality activist Billie Jean King. With an impressive record of 20 Wimbledon titles, 39 Grand Slam titles, and a historic win in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match, King has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. For King, a Long Beach native, being chosen as the grand marshal is a dream come true, bringing back memories of her childhood when the Rose Parade was a highlight of the year for her family.
A Rich History of Floral Splendor
The Rose Parade traces its roots back to 1890 when the Valley Hunt Club organized the first parade to showcase Pasadena’s mild winter weather. From humble beginnings of horse-drawn carriages adorned with flowers, the parade has evolved into a spectacle of massive, motorized floats entirely covered in natural materials like flower petals, bark, and seeds. Months of meticulous planning and craftsmanship go into creating these stunning floats that travel at a leisurely 2.5 mph down the parade route.
Welcoming Back the Crowds
After the cancellation of the 2021 Rose Parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parade returned in 2022 to a smaller crowd. However, in recent years, attendance has been steadily growing, with about 750,000 people lining the route in 2024 compared to 700,000 in 2022. This upward trend signals a strong return to pre-pandemic crowd sizes and underscores the enduring appeal and joy that the Rose Parade brings to the community and visitors from around the world.
As you prepare to enjoy the festivities of the 136th Rose Parade, take a moment to appreciate the artistry, history, and community spirit that come together in this annual tradition. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time spectator, the Rose Parade promises to be a day filled with unforgettable moments and the celebration of life’s “Best Day Ever.”