The 137th Tournament of Roses Parade took place in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day 2026, under rainy conditions. This event marked the first time the parade had experienced rain in 20 years, with precipitation occurring throughout the morning. Despite the weather, the parade featured 39 floral floats, 17 equestrian teams, and 19 marching bands along its 5 1/2-mile route, concluding with the presentation of several awards, including the Sweepstakes Trophy to Cal Poly Universities.
Event Overview and Route
The parade commenced at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard. It proceeded north on Orange Grove, then turned east onto Colorado Boulevard, and subsequently north on Sierra Madre Boulevard, concluding at Sierra Madre and Villa Street.
Weather Conditions
Rainfall varied from light drizzle to steady downpour throughout the event. This marked the first instance of rain during the parade since 2006, ending a 20-year period without precipitation for the event. Historical records indicate this was approximately the 11th or 12th time rain had occurred during the parade's 137-year history since its inception in 1890.
By 10 a.m. on the day of the parade, eastern Pasadena had recorded 1.21 inches of rain over the preceding 12 hours, while Downtown Los Angeles registered 1.33 inches. The National Weather Service in Oxnard had predicted a total of 1.53 inches for the day. The heaviest rainfall on New Year's Day in Pasadena's history was 3.12 inches in 1934. The precipitation was observed to reduce the number of individuals who typically camp overnight for optimal viewing positions. Spectators along the route used ponchos and umbrellas, and some participants also wore ponchos.
Theme and Grand Marshal
The theme for the 137th Rose Parade was "The Magic in Teamwork," selected to highlight the collective achievements derived from collaboration. Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a former professional basketball player and businessman, served as the grand marshal, riding in a vintage vehicle. Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens noted the thematic alignment between Johnson's nickname and the parade's theme during his introduction in October. Johnson described the grand marshal role as an "incredible prestigious honor" and expressed his appreciation for the city.
Parade Participants and Spectators
Attendees gathered along Colorado Boulevard despite the inclement weather. Individuals such as Michael Brooks, a 41-year-old resident of Monterey Park, observed the parade for the first time with his family. Tracy Tankersley, who traveled from San Diego, camped overnight and noted a reduced crowd size compared to previous years. Roni Jones and Cheryl Conley of Altadena, who had attended the last rainy parade in 2006, commented that community spirit and the associated football game maintained enthusiasm. Conley also mentioned her gratitude for community support following the loss of her home in the Eaton fire. Vendors, including Kayla Montes, 22, from Pacoima, sold tamales. Claretta Surratt, 49, from Lancaster, attended in person for the first time, observing the event's atmosphere.
Award-Winning Floats and Other Entries
The parade presented several awards:
- Sweepstakes Trophy (Most Beautiful Entry): Awarded to Cal Poly Universities for their float, "Jungle Jumpstart." This float depicted rainforest animals collaborating to restore a robot, symbolizing the interaction between nature and technology. It was designed, constructed, and decorated by students from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, marking their 77th year of collaborative participation.
- Extraordinaire Award: Presented to the San Francisco Travel Association float, which featured elements such as the Golden Gate Bridge and The Painted Ladies.
Other notable floats included one commissioned by America250, featuring bald eagles, and the Lutheran Hour Ministries float, which displayed a blimp reading “Team Jesus / All Welcome.” Participants on the latter float, with the exception of a portrayal of Jesus, wore ponchos.
Protest Incident
During the parade, a float dedicated to victims of the L.A. wildfires was briefly involved in a protest incident. Activists displayed a banner reading “AG Bonta, Altadena Demands An Investigation,” which was subsequently removed. This action was reportedly related to demands for accountability regarding Los Angeles County officials concerning wildfire response.
Historical Context
The Rose Parade originated in 1890 as a promotional event by the Valley Hunt Club, designed to highlight Pasadena’s mild winter climate. Early floats consisted of horse-drawn carriages decorated with flowers. The parade has never been canceled due to wet weather; its only cancellations occurred in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and during World War II. In 2006, the last time rain occurred during the event, four floats experienced breakdowns.