Ever since 1890, Pasadena has been hosting visitors globally to celebrate New Year with action-packed events on January 1st. From colourful florals to sporting events, it started with a celebration of the beautiful weather and vibrant winter blooms. It later became an iconic American tradition you must experience at least once. The Tournament of Roses Parade welcomes more than 3,000 spectators yearly to witness a display filled with orange-blossom-bedecked horse-drawn carriages. The tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, also known as the Rose Parade, California, features floats covered in flowers and marching bands, as well as the equestrian units. You surely want to witness this beautiful parade in California; here’s everything you need to plan well.
History of Tournament of Roses Parade
Image Credit: T.Kiya for Wikimedia Commons
Tournament of Roses Parade Pasadena California started in 1890 with the Pasadena Valley Hunt Club members. The club wanted to showcase California’s mild winter weather with the neighbours East Coast invited to celebrate the mid-winter holiday. Horse-drawn carriages that are decorated with beautiful and colourful flowers are the beginning of the parade. However, with time, the parade has made a few newer additions to the Tournament of Roses Parade, like the marching bands and motorised floats. It has now become one of the world’s most popular and elaborate annual parades that are recognised globally. The parade is preceded by the Rose Bowl, a football game between two major college teams.
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Tournament of Roses Parade Route Map
Tournament of Roses Parade is a 5.5-mile journey from the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Blvd. in Pasadena. It then moves north along Orange Grove Blvd. at a pace of 2.5 miles per hour, then turns east onto Colorado Blvd., where most excitement unfolds for the spectators. The end of this parade route is onto Sierra Madre Blvd. and wraps up at Villa St.
To ensure public safety, the police department will close the Rose Parade route to vehicles from 10:00 pm on December 31st till 2:00 pm on January 1, 2025. And if you’re someone whose seats get allocated along Orange Grove Blvd. between Colorado Blvd. and Green Street, make sure to enter the Tournament of Roses with your tickets in hand and arrive by 6:30 a.m. on the Parade Day to get settled. There would be foot traffic in this area, which would be blocked off due to parade activities, so it is advisable to reach there on time.
When is the Tournament of Roses parade & Theme
If you’re also looking for the answer to ‘What time is the Tournament of Roses parade?’, the parade takes place on New Year’s Day or on January 2 if New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, at 8 AM Pacific Time.
‘Best Day Ever’ is the Tournament of Roses Parade 2025 theme. As the name suggests, the theme encourages celebrating life’s best moments from simple pleasures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that bring joy and warmth at the 136th Rose Parade, presented by Honda.
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Things to do in the Tournament of Roses Parade
Here is everything you need to see at the Tournament of Roses parade. Enjoy one of the best parades in the world:
1. Floats
Floats can be up to 50 feet long. One of the truly spectacular floats is a labour of love, meticulously crafted and adorned with a stunning array of flowers, petals and other natural materials like seeds, leaves, and stems. Each float is creativity displayed in the completely breathtaking designs, with themes ranging from whimsical to grand representations of cultural icons. Floats are a true reflection of both artistry and floral engineering.
2. Marching bands
The most excellent highlight of the Tournament of Roses Parade 2025 is the spirited marching bands, which bring energy and enthusiasm to the parade. These bands consist of talented artists, such as musicians from high school bands, and perform dynamic musical selections, from traditional marches to contemporary hits. Each individual displays a meticulously coordinated formation and lively performance, captivating the audience and creating a festive atmosphere.
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3. Equestrian units
A touch of elegance to the parade is the high-stepping equestrian units showcasing the beautiful horses and skilled riders. Equestrian units present stunning visual displays as horses are adorned with floral decorations, and the riders are dressed in their finest attire. They are so demure with poise and coordination that crowds are delighted with their performances and poise. Imagine being a part of this site, with the vibrant parade spectacle, making it a memorable experience for the guests.
Tips for the Tournament of Roses Parade
- Tournament of Roses parade location is best viewed from the southern side of Colorado Boulevard, with the sun behind you.
- To be in the front row along Colorado Blvd, you should arrive the night before in the late afternoon or early evening.
- The Tournament of Roses recommends arriving at your seat by 6:30 AM on parade day. If you’re seated west of Fair Oaks Avenue, you should be in your spot by 7 AM.
- You can also watch the parade on Christmas Plus, Fubo, and Pluto TV.
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How To Reach Pasadena?
Image Credit: Dietmar Rabich for Wikimedia Commons
To reach Pasadena from California, there are several transportation options are available:
By Car:
From Los Angeles, Take the I-110 North freeway. It’s a 10-mile drive that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Follow signs for Pasadena and take the exit for Orange Grove Blvd. Alternatively, you can head east on the I-10 freeway from Santa Monica, then merge onto the I-110 North freeway. Take the exit for Colorado Blvd to enter Pasadena.
By Public Transportation:
- Metro: If you are in Los Angeles, take the Metro Gold Line from Union Station in downtown LA directly to Pasadena. The trip takes approximately 38 minutes. The Gold Line has several stops in Pasadena, including Del Mar, Memorial Park, and Sierra Madre Villa.
- Bus Services: Several bus lines, including the Metro Bus, can take you to Pasadena. Check the schedule and routes that best suit your starting point.
- By Train: Amtrak operates trains that can take you to nearby cities, and you can then use local transit or ridesharing options to reach Pasadena.
By Air:
The nearest major airport is Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (approximately 12 miles away). From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a rideshare service to reach Pasadena. Alternatively, LAX is about 30 miles away. Car rentals, shuttle services, and public transit options like the FlyAway Bus to Union Station are available from LAX.
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Experience the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade in 2025 and welcome the New Year with one of the most renowned Parades. This parade is full of colours, flower decorations, floats, and many other entertaining elements. Plan your trip to the USA with friends and family and tick this amazing once-in-a-lifetime parade off your bucket list. Tournament of Roses Parade is a 5.5-mile journey that takes approximately 2 hours. Be a part of this celebration of the mid-winter festival.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tournament of Roses Parade
How long is the Tournament of Roses parade?
The Tournament of Roses parade, also known as the Rose Parade typically lasts about two hours. The parade features a variety of floats, equestrian units, and marching bands, moving along a 5.5-mile route through Pasadena, California. The event usually occurs on New Year’s Day, starting at 8:00 AM PST.
What is so special about the Rose Parade?
The Rose Parade is unique due to its vibrant and elaborate floral floats, each covered with natural materials such as flowers, seeds, and bark. The event symbolises New Year’s celebration and community spirit, featuring participation from diverse groups, high school bands, and equestrian units. Additionally, it is known for its theme each year, showcasing inspiring messages and honouring various cultures and traditions.
What started the Tournament of Roses parade?
The Tournament of Roses parade was started in 1890 by a group of Pasadena residents who wanted to showcase the region's beautiful flowers and promote tourism. The inaugural parade featured horse-drawn carriages adorned with flowers, and it was meant to demonstrate the beauty of California's winter bloom. Over the years, it has evolved into a large-scale event with elaborate floats and a joyful celebration of the New Year.
How many flowers are used in the Tournament of Roses parade?
Each year, the Tournament of Roses parade uses millions of flowers to create stunning floats. Around 18 million flowers are typically used, including roses, orchids, lilies, and many other types. The extensive floral arrangements are designed and assembled by volunteers and professional floral designers, ensuring that each float is a unique work of art.
When was the first Tournament of Roses parade?
The first Tournament of Roses parade took place on January 1, 1890. Initially, it featured a small group of horse-drawn carriages decorated with flowers, but it has since grown into a large-scale, internationally recognised event that attracts spectators from around the world.
Suggest what Tournament of Roses parade souvenirs to get?
Some great souvenirs to consider from the Tournament of Roses parade include:
- Float-themed memorabilia - This might include miniature replicas of the floats.
- Rose Parade pins - Collectible pins often feature parade themes or unique designs.
- Photographs - Snapshots or official parade photos can be a wonderful keepsake.
- T-shirts and sweatshirts - Clothing items featuring the parade logo or year.
- Floral arrangements - Sometimes, official vendors sell small arrangements influenced by the floats.
- Program booklets - These contain information about the parade participants and are often artistically designed.
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