The 137th Rose Parade: A Wet but Wonderful Celebration
Imagine braving a downpour to witness a spectacle of flowers and floats. That's exactly what happened at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, where a steady rain couldn't dampen the spirits of thousands.
Michael Brooks, a 41-year-old from Monterey Park, was among the dedicated attendees, clutching a cup of hot chocolate and guarding his family's front-row seats under a daisy-printed umbrella. It was his first time at the parade, and the rain certainly didn't deter his excitement. He shared that he wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything.
This year's parade marked a rare occasion: the first time in 20 years that rain graced the event. In fact, it was only the 11th rainy Rose Parade since the tradition began in 1890, a testament to Southern California's typically mild winters.
As the storm unleashed 1.12 inches of rain on eastern Pasadena and 0.94 inches in downtown Los Angeles, die-hard fans huddled under awnings and raincoats, eager to ring in the new year. Parade organizers, like Lisa Derderian, a City of Pasadena spokeswoman, were prepared for various weather scenarios, ensuring the safety and comfort of all attendees. They had plans in place, including boots-on-the-ground personnel and public address systems, to assist parade-goers if needed.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Despite the weather, the parade went on, with many spectators sharing fond memories of the last rainy parade in 2006. Roni Jones and her mother, Cheryl Conley, expressed their excitement, emphasizing the community spirit and the joy of the event. Conley, a graduate of John Muir High School, found solace in the parade, especially after losing her home in the devastating Eaton fire. The parade provided a bright spot after a difficult year, and she was grateful for the support she received.
The parade, which typically lasts around two hours, began on Orange Grove Boulevard and continued onto Colorado Boulevard before ending at Sierra Madre Boulevard. For the first time, the parade was live-streamed on TikTok, inviting a new generation of fans to experience the magic. Local officials anticipated more calls for hypothermia and foot injuries due to the wet conditions along the 5.5-mile route.
And this is the part most people miss...
Historically, rain on New Year's Day in the Los Angeles area is uncommon, occurring only about 10% of the time between 1878 and 2025. In 1934, Pasadena saw a record 3.12 inches of rain on the holiday. The National Weather Service predicted 1.53 inches for this year's parade.
The Rose Parade, initially conceived by the Valley Hunt Club to showcase Pasadena's mild winters, has evolved into a beloved tradition. The earliest floats were horse-drawn carriages adorned with flowers. The theme for this year's parade was "The Magic in Teamwork," and the parade marshal was Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
The parade took place just before the one-year anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades fires, which began on January 7, 2025. The Tournament of Roses provided over 1,000 free grandstand tickets for fire victims to attend the parade.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a group of women from the San Fernando Valley sold tamales along Colorado Boulevard, happily energetic despite waking up at 2 a.m. Their $5 tamales were selling well, and they expected to sell out. Spectators found creative ways to stay dry, like Jeff Landis of Glendale, who fashioned trash bags into rain protection for his children.
What are your thoughts? Did the rain add to the magic of the Rose Parade, or do you prefer the sunny days? Share your opinions in the comments below!
