< Back to Table of Contents
Colorful float in the Tournament of Roses Parade
ADOBE STOCK
The Tournament of Roses Parade
Immerse yourself in the magnificent spectacle of blooming floats and pageantry at the Tournament of Roses Parade.
By Kyle Marra
Every New Year’s Day, Pasadena, California, bursts into bloom with the Tournament of Roses Parade, a spectacle of elaborate flower-bedecked floats, spirited marching bands and high-stepping equestrian units. This beloved tradition draws crowds of spectators vying for a front-row view of the artistry and pageantry. So how do you secure your best spot? Read on for background, other events to enjoy and tips to ring in your new year in the rosiest way possible.
Historical photo of Tournament of Roses Parade participants (est.1890-1899)
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES
The History of the Tournament of Roses Parade
Some annual events celebrate history, while others highlight a region’s culture or environment. The latter is how the Tournament of Roses Parade was ushered into existence. In the winter of 1890, while several states were covered in snow, a group of men from Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club found themselves surrounded by blooming flowers and orange trees on the verge of bearing fruit. Thankful for the gorgeous weather in their little slice of paradise, these men created an extravagant festival meant to capture the world’s attention.
The men invited friends and relatives from the East to abandon their white winters and celebrate a winter holiday filled with chariot races, jousting, polo, tug-of-war and foot races under the Mediterranean of the West’s balmy California sun. With Pasadena’s abundant flowers, the men launched a floral parade to kick off the festivities. The highlight of the parade: ornately decorated carriages featuring local flower blooms.
By 1895, the event was a West Coast staple, gaining attention from beyond California. The Valley Hunt Club relinquished control and planning to the newly formed Tournament of Roses Association. In 1900, the event site was renamed Tournament Park, and in the years following the inaugural parade, the agenda grew to include ostrich races, bronco busting and a camel-versus-elephant race. For those curious, the elephant won. The Tournament of Roses Parade continues, but it looks a little bit different than it did in its early years.
Decorated float at the Tournament of Roses Parade
SHUTTERSTOCK
The Parade Today
Although the decorated horse-drawn carriages of old have been replaced with motorized floats, the spirit of the parade remains, notably in the use of flowers. Visitors still marvel at elaborately built floral floats, many of which feature computerized animation and exotic materials from across the globe. Most of these floats are designed by companies that spend almost an entire year creating them; however, volunteers still build some of them. Additionally, the parade has grown to include marching bands from across the nation and equestrian units that all make the 5 1/2-mile walk that starts at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard and moves north along Orange Grove Boulevard before turning east onto Colorado Boulevard. This street is where most people elbow in for a place to see the parade’s pomp. Eventually, the floats and bands turn north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard, concluding at Villa Street. Next up for some parade attendees: the Rose Bowl.
Though football was added to the festivities in 1902—the first post-season college football game ever held—it did not become a lasting staple right away. After Stanford was defeated 49-0 by Michigan in the inaugural game, football was replaced with chariot racing reminiscent of the film “Ben Hur” for 14 years. Then in 1916, when football was reinstated, the game was there to stay. To this day, audiences across the globe tune in as the Tournament of Roses Parade kicks off on New Year’s Day with flowers, floats and bands before attendees turn their attention to the Rose Bowl.
Free viewing areas exist, but reserved seating requires a purchased ticket.
Tickets to the Rose Bowl football game and other year-round events can be purchased at AAA.com/Tickets.
Marching bands and their dancers show off their talents during Bandfest.
Festive Events
Though the parade lasts for only one day, plenty of other activities keep attendees busy before and after the event.
Float Decorating—From Dec. 28–30, float entries put the finishing touches on their uniquely designed entries. Spectators are welcome to come and observe from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as the floats are put together in the days leading up to the parade.
Equestfest—If you are interested in horses, this is your chance to see the equestrian units before the big day. Equestfest runs Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This family-friendly event is held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and features drills, dances and tricks performed by talented horses and their riders, as well as musical performances. VIP passes, which include a preferred reserved seat, souvenir seat cushion and other add-ons, are available.
Bandfest—Preview the marching bands at Bandfest, Dec. 29–30, at Robinson Stadium from 2–4 p.m.
Lululemon Run With the Roses 5K—The last event preceding the parade is the Run With the Roses 5K. Runners get the first crack at the parade route before the floats take over a few hours later. The race starts at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31 and ends at 2 a.m. on Jan. 1.
Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase—If you want to see more of the floats’ artistry up close and ask questions of their creators, the floats are on display Jan. 1–3 at varying times. The display is about 2 miles long.
Note: Children 5 and under are free for all events requiring admission fees.
Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California
Book Your Trip to the Parade With AAA
By booking through AAA, you will be treated to a series of exclusives that are sure to elevate your trip. Some highlights include:
• Round-trip transfer from LAX to your hotel
• 4-night stay at the Downtown Long Beach Marriott or equivalent.
• A welcome reception and dinner
• Warner Bros. Studio and Hollywood tours
• Dinner and a Broadway/Hollywood Concert (Actual concert will be determined closer to the trip dates)
• New Year’s Eve dinner
• Reserved parade seating on Colorado Boulevard
• If football is not your thing, instead tour the retired Queen Mary ship before having lunch on board
View the 5-day Tournament of Roses Parade Itinerary!
Here Are More Great Stories for You to Read!
Local Events for April
Botanical Gardens to Visit This Year
A Different Kind of Rail Trip
Outdoor Activities and Recreational Escapes
