About the Rose Paradeadmin@TOR2023-12-04T10:06:10-08:00
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THE ROSE PARADE BEGINS AT 8AM PST ON JANUARY 1 IN PASADENA, CALIFORNIA, USA.
For millions of people around the world, the Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition.
The Rose Parade travels 5 ½ miles down Colorado Blvd. and features four types of entries: floral-decorated floats entered by a participating corporation, non-profit organization or municipality, equestrian units, bands, and Tournament Entries. Rose Parade participants have long histories with the Tournament of Roses and keep the traditions alive.
The earliest Tournament of Roses welcomed 3,000 spectators to its first parade filled with beautiful, horse-drawn carriages covered in flowers. More than a century later, the parade floats are a marvel of state of the art technology, all tucked away beneath flowers and other all-natural materials.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSE PARADE HISTORY
LEARN MORE ABOUT ROSE PARADE PARTICIPANTS
Each year more than 80,000 hours of combined service are supplied by 935 volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses Association. Nicknamed “White Suiters” because of the distinctive white suits every volunteer wears, these community-spirited men and women give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to ensure the success of the Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl Game®.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEER MEMBERSHIP
The Rose Parade is broadcast live in the U.S. by several networks/stations. Please refer to our list of broadcasters or check your local listings. For seating and ticket information, please see our Tickets and Events page.
Rose Parade safety tips and guidelines can be found in our Parade Day Guide.
935
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER MEMBERS
80,000
HOURS ANNUALLY CONTRIBUTED
31
OPERATING COMMITTEES
Upcoming
Rose Parade Events
Decorating Places presented by Alaska Airlines
December 28, 2023| 9:00 AM - December 30, 2023| 5:00 PMEquestfest presented by Santa Anita Park
December 29, 2023| 12:00 PM - 2:00 PMBandfest presented by REMO
December 29, 2023| 2:00 PM - December 30, 2023| 4:00 PMlululemon Run With the Roses 5K
December 31, 2023| 11:59 PM - January 1, 2024| 2:00 AM135th Rose Parade presented by Honda
January 1, 2024| 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
2024 ROSE PARADE THEME – “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language”
On the front steps of Tournament House, the 2024 Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian, announced the 2024 Tournament of Roses theme, “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language”.
“The 2024 theme brings us together through music. In a world of different cultures, beliefs, hopes, and dreams, one language unites us all — music. The sound, texture, rhythm, form, harmony, and expression meld together to move, soothe, excite and delight the world,” explained Aghajanian. “From bossa nova to blues, classical to country, metal to mariachi and rock to rap, thousands of genres invite us to become one in celebrating a world of music. Whether near or far, young or old, we invite you to year-long festivities that culminate on New Year’s Day at the Rose Parade. Let the music begin!”
2024 GRAND MARSHAL – Audra McDonald
On December 1 the illustrious and multi-award-winning performer Audra McDonald was announced as the 2024 Grand Marshal by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. As the embodiment of the theme “Celebrating a World of Music,” Audra McDonald stands as a testament to the global resonance of melodies. Her illustrious career in theater, music and television is a harmonious tribute to the universal language that unites cultures worldwide.
The Rose Parade features three types of entries: floral-decorated floats sponsored by a participating corporation or community organization, equestrian units, and marching bands. The only cars that appear in the Rose Parade are those that may carry the Grand Marshal, the Mayor of Pasadena, the Rose Bowl Game Hall of Fame Inductees and the Tournament of Roses President. Many of the Rose Parade’s participating organizations have long histories with the Tournament of Roses and have made numerous appearances in the parade.
INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE ROSE PARADE?
Visit our Apply page for more information about applying to be a Rose Parade participant. Deadlines for floats, equestrian units and marching bands vary.
FLOATS
The Rose Parade’s elaborate floats have come a long way since the Tournament’s early days, and the Rose Parade has stayed true to its floral beginnings. Every inch of every float must be covered with flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. The most delicate flowers, including roses, are placed in individual vials of water, which are set into the float one by one.
APPLY AS A FLOAT PARTICIPANT
2024 Floats
- 110th Rose Bowl Game Float A
- 110th Rose Bowl Game Float B
- 2024 Tournament of Roses Rose Court
- American Armenian Rose Float Association
- Cal Poly Universities
- City of Alhambra
- City of Burbank
- City of Hope
- City of South Pasadena
- City of Torrance
- Coding for Veterans
- CORE Kidney
- DIRECTV
- Downey Rose Float Association
- Elks U.S.A.
- Enjoy Illinois, the Illinois Office of Tourism
- Explore Louisiana
- Honda
- Kaiser Permanente
- Kindness is Free Powered by Boys & Girls Clubs
- Kiwanis International
- La Cañada Flintridge
- Lions International
- Lutheran Hour Ministries
- Mansion Entertainment Group
- Odd Fellows & Rebekahs
- OneLegacy Donate Life
- Pasadena Humane | Hill’s Pet Nutrition
- Rotary
- San Diego Zoo
- Shriners Children’s
- Sierra Madre Rose Float Association
- The Cowboy Channel
- The UPS Store, Inc.
- Trader Joe’s
- Union Station Homeless Services
- Visit Lauderdale
- Visit Newport Beach
- Western Asset
MARCHING BANDS
The Rose Parade’s musical legacy dates to 1891 when the Monrovia, Calif. City Band joined the procession of flower-covered pony carts in the second Tournament of Roses Parade. Since then, hundreds of thousands of musicians from all over the world have made the famous march through Pasadena on New Year’s Day. The Rose Parade has welcomed high schools, colleges and universities, and Military bands. Past parades have featured a variety of musicians including marching bands, drum and bugle corps, brass and percussion bands, and bag pipes.
2024 MARCHING BAND DESCRIPTIONS
APPLY AS A MARCHING BAND PARTICIPANT
2024 Marching Bands
- Albertville High School Aggie Band (Albertville, AL)
- Banda Municipal de Zarcero Zarcero, (Alajuela, Costa Rica)
- Castle High School (Newburgh, IN)
- Jenks Trojan Pride (Jenks, OK)
- Los Angeles Unified School District – All District High School Honor Band (Los Angeles, CA)
- Na Koa Ali’i – Hawai’i All State Marching Band (Kailua, HI)
- Niceville High School Eagle Pride Marching Band (Niceville, FL)
- The “Blue and Gold Marching Machine” (Greensboro, NC)
- Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets (Pasadena, CA)
- Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band (Pasadena, CA)
- Pipes On Parade: The Massed Pipes & Drums (Twentynine Palms, CA)
- Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band (Pulaski, WI)
- The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band (Long Beach, CA)
- The BOSS (Bands Of Santiago Sharks) (Corona, CA)
- Toho Marching Band (Japan Honor Green Band) (Nagoya, Aichi, Japan)
- United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band (San Diego, CA)
- West Chester University “INCOMPARABLE” Golden Rams Marching Band (West Chester, PA)
- Westlake High School Chaparral Band (Austin, TX)
- William Mason High School Marching Band (Mason, OH)
EQUESTRIAN UNITS
On January 1, 1890, Grand Marshal Francis Rowland and President Charles Holder mounted their horses and led the first Rose Parade through Pasadena. Equestrian units remain an irreplaceable part of the parade. Each year, the Rose Parade features a wide variety of horse breeds who entertain spectators, each with their own style and grace, including Curly Horses, American Saddlebreds, Gypsy Cobs, Andalusians, Miniature Horses, Draft Horses, and more. Equestrian units offer a variety of special skills and colorful costumes that tie into the Rose Parade theme while continuing to honor traditions.
2024 EQUESTRIAN UNIT DESCRIPTIONS
APPLY AS AN EQUESTRIAN UNIT PARTICIPANT
2024 Equestrian Units
- 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment (Fort Cavazos, Texas)
- Arabian Horse Association Versatile Arabians (Greenwood Village, Colorado)
- Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team (Lakeview Terrace, California)
- Budweiser Clydesdales (St. Louis, Missouri)
- California Cowgirls Drill Team (Wilton, California)
- Long Beach Mounted Police & Kings County Sheriff’s Posse (Long Beach, California and Kings County, California)
- Los Hermanos Banuelos Charro Team (Altadena, California)
- The New Buffalo Soldiers (Shadow Hills, California)
- The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team (Norco, California)
- Orange County Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit/Western State Mounted Officer Association (Orange County, California)
- Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers (Sacramento, California)
- Scripps Miramar Ranch (San Diego, California)
- Silver Spurs Riding Club Quadrille (Kissimmee, Florida)
- Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday Celebration (Washington D.C.)
- Spirit of the West Riders (Arcadia, California)
- Valley Hunt Club (Pasadena, California)
- Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society (Alpine, California)
- United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard (Barstow, California)
Each year the Tournament of Roses selects three judges to grant float awards based on many criteria including float design, floral presentation and entertainment value. The Tournament of Roses announces the award-winning floats on New Year’s Day prior to the Rose Parade. As the award-winning floats venture down the parade route, they are preceded by banners showcasing their award. The banners are carried by select members of the Tournament of Roses Eagle Scout and Gold Award Girl Scout Troops.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has selected Heather de Kok, Judith K. Nakamura and Richard Schulhof as judges for the 2024 Float Awards sponsored by FTD. For complete biographies of the 2024 Float Judges, please visit here.
FTD is the official floral partner of the Tournament of Roses. The iconic American company has been affiliated with the Rose Parade for more than 60 years. FTD decorates the antique automobiles which carry the Rose Parade VIPs down Colorado Boulevard including the Grand Marshal, Tournament of Roses President, Mayor of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame cars. FTD is also the sponsor of the Rose Parade Float Awards.
Float Design
This category showcases attractive, visually well-balanced floats that over a creative treatment of the designer’s idea. The floats are in line with the parade’s theme and include the use of animation.
Floral Presentation
This category provides a visual balance and cohesive mix of floral and non-floral materials. The floats are predominantly floral in appearance and display an abundance of flowers.
Entertainment Value
This category creates a dramatic impact by creatively using additional elements to advance the design concept. Additions may include, but are not limited to, float riders, outwalkers, pyrotechnics, and showmanship.
TOP AWARD
Sweepstakes
Most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
FLOAT DESIGN
THEME
Most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade theme
BOB HOPE HUMOR
Most whimsical and amusing float
DIRECTOR
Most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials
CROWN CITY INNOVATOR*
Most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology
GRAND MARSHAL
Most outstanding creative concept and float design
FANTASY
Most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination
ANIMATION
Most outstanding use of animation
AMERICANA
Most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions
GOLDEN STATE
Most outstanding depiction of life in California
MAYOR
Most outstanding float from a participating city
FLORAL PRESENTATION
PRESIDENT
Most outstanding use and presentation of flowers
ISABELLA COLEMAN
Most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design
QUEEN
Most outstanding presentation of roses
LEISHMAN PUBLIC SPIRIT
Most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant
PRINCESS
Most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length
PAST PRESIDENT
Most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials
FOUNDER
Most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization
INTERNATIONAL
Most outstanding float from outside the United States
TOURNAMENT VOLUNTEER
Most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length
ENTERTAINMENT VALUE
EXTRAORDINAIRE*
Most extraordinary float
WRIGLEY LEGACY*
Most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment
JUDGES
Most outstanding float design and dramatic impact
SHOWMANSHIP*
Most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment
*Including units 55 feet in length and greater
The Rose Parade is an iconic New Year's Day tradition, showcasing floral-decorated floats, equestrian units, and marching bands along a 5 ½ mile route down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California. As an enthusiast with a depth of knowledge about this event, let's break down the key concepts mentioned:
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History of the Rose Parade: The Parade's roots trace back to its inaugural event, which welcomed 3,000 spectators featuring horse-drawn carriages adorned with flowers. Over a century later, the floats have evolved with state-of-the-art technology while preserving the tradition of natural materials.
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Participants and Volunteerism: The Tournament of Roses Association involves around 935 volunteers known as "White Suiters." These dedicated individuals contribute over 80,000 hours annually to ensure the success of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.
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Event Components: Preceding the Rose Parade, several events are organized, including Decorating Places, Equestfest, Bandfest, and the lululemon Run With the Roses 5K.
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Theme and Grand Marshal: Each year, the parade follows a specific theme; in 2024, it's “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” Audra McDonald, an acclaimed performer, was announced as the Grand Marshal for 2024, embodying the musical theme.
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Types of Entries: The Rose Parade comprises floral-decorated floats sponsored by various entities, marching bands from high schools, colleges, universities, and military bands, along with equestrian units featuring diverse horse breeds and skills.
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Float Awards: The Tournament of Roses selects judges to grant awards based on float design, floral presentation, and entertainment value. Awards range from Sweepstakes to categories like Float Design Theme, Director, Crown City Innovator, and many others, recognizing excellence in different aspects.
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Official Partnerships: FTD is the official floral partner of the Tournament of Roses, responsible for decorating vehicles carrying VIPs and sponsoring the Float Awards.
Understanding the Parade's rich history, diverse participation, meticulous float decorations, and awards criteria showcases a comprehensive grasp of the Rose Parade's intricate details and its significance as a globally celebrated event.
