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The Tournament of Roses Parade kicks off every New Year’s Day with a vibrant procession of floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units through Pasadena, California. This beloved tradition is a perfect way to celebrate the new year, especially for families looking to spend the day together. Join millions in witnessing the creativity and spectacle, whether in person or from home, and embrace the spirit of renewal.
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Expected Tournament of Roses Parade Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that the Tournament of Roses Parade inspires many brands to offer New Year’s Day deals and themed merchandise. Look for special offers from travel companies like Southwest Airlines or Alaska Airlines for trips to Pasadena, and hotel chains such as Hilton or Marriott offering packages for parade-goers. Retailers like Macy’s often feature post-holiday sales that align with the festive atmosphere. Local Pasadena restaurants and cafes may also have special menus or viewing party deals. Additionally, merchandise brands like Rose Parade Official Store will sell themed apparel and souvenirs. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 1 approaches.
Platform Guide for Tournament of Roses Parade
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #RoseParade. Film your favorite float reactions or share behind-the-scenes glimpses of float decorating.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TournamentOfRoses. Post stunning photos of the floral floats, grand marshals, and marching bands.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RoseParade. Share your favorite parade memories and connect with other fans.
Tournament of Roses Parade Hero
Charles Frederick Holder
History of Tournament of Roses Parade
Members of the Valley Hunt Club, a private social club, Charles Frederick Holder and Francis F. Rowland created the Tournament of Roses (or simply, the Rose Parade) to showcase the warmth and sunny skies in the place they now call home, Pasadena, California. They created the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, a non-profit organization that has held this event annually since 1890. This annual parade is held on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.
The first ever tournament had about 2,000 attendees and it now has more than 800,000 people coming in from all over the world. The tournament continues to hold the same spirit with some alterations made due to technological advancements. The first parade featured horse-drawn carriages covered in flowers and chariot races. The parade continues to feature equestrian units, with the addition of marching bands and creative, elaborate floats with various themes. Each year a theme is chosen for the Tournament of Roses Parade, the first in 1918 being ‘Patriotism.’
The Tournament of Rose Parade is followed by the Rose Bowl college football game. The Rose Bowl was added to the event in 1902 to help fund the Tournament of Roses Parade as the elaborate event required many volunteers and extensive work. The members volunteering their time are chosen right from the community. Members of the tournament are often called ‘White Suiters’ as they each wear a white suit and red tie.
Tournament of Roses Parade timeline
Charles Fredrick Holder and Francis F. Rowland create the Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Rose Bowl college football game is introduced to help fund the parade.
The Rose Bowl is played again since it was first introduced.
The Presidents of the Tournament of Roses Association begin assigning themes for every parade.
Tournament of Roses Parade FAQs
When is Tournament of Roses Parade?
In 2027, the Tournament of Roses Parade will take place on Friday, January 1. It’s a spectacular way to kick off the new year, showcasing elaborate floral floats and vibrant performances.
How many people attend the Tournament of Roses Parade?
With millions more watching on television worldwide, the parade draws an estimated 700,000 live attendees. This makes it one of the largest single-day events in the United States.
How many floats are in the Tournament of Roses Parade?
The 2027 parade will showcase a similar lineup, typically including over 40 elaborate floats, more than 20 marching bands, and 18 equestrian teams. The sheer scale of the entries is a highlight for many viewers.
What is the theme of the Tournament of Roses Parade?
Each year, a new theme is chosen to inspire the intricate floral designs and performances, with the 2027 theme expected to be revealed in early 2026. This keeps the parade fresh and unique annually.
Tournament of Roses Parade Activities
Attend the parade
The best way to celebrate the Rose Parade is by actually attending it in person. If you plan to buy a seat, make sure to do so as soon as tickets are available.
Volunteer in the event
The members of the event are all volunteers of various ages. Many roles are open to fill, each with different skill sets. Visit the official website to participate in this special event.
Watch the live stream
If you’re unable to attend the event, you can get the best seat in the house right in the comfort of your home. Catch the live stream on any T.V. station or YouTube.
5 Amazing Facts About The Rose Parade
They made the largest float
The Tournament of Roses Parade made the largest float at 116 feet long, featuring Tillman, a skateboarding bulldog.
A variety of flowers
A mixture of flowers is usually used and it takes about 20 daisies, 30 roses, or 36 marigolds, to cover one square foot.
There’s no marching on Sunday
It was determined in 1893 that the parade would disturb the horses hitched outside churches.
It uses up a lot of flowers
Each float uses five years' worth of flowers and there are about 40 floats a year which adds up to about 18 million flowers!
It annually crowns a queen!
Young women aged 17 to 21 are interviewed to be part of the Royal Court where one Rose Queen and six Rose Princesses emerge.
Why We Love Tournament of Roses Parade
It takes a lot of effort
About 935 people volunteer to help organize this event. They spend a collective 80,000 hours working on it.
It brings in a sense of pride
Residents of Pasadena are united in their sense of pride in their people and how they volunteer to organize this beautiful event. It’s astounding to see what people can create with some determination and discipline.
It’s a thing of beauty
The floats are a marvel to look at. They are an immense show of creativity that makes us appreciate art, and most importantly, flowers.
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