The United States’ Rose Parade, held on New Year’s Day, takes place in Pasadena, California.
Officially called the Tournament of Roses Parade, it is organized by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. The procession is famous for floats decorated with natural materials, especially flowers and other plant matter. Marching bands and equestrian units are also major parts of the event.
The first parade took place in 1890. It was created by members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club, who wanted to showcase Southern California’s mild winter climate to people in colder parts of the United States. The parade became linked with the Rose Bowl football game, which is played later the same day in Pasadena.
A common mistake is to identify Los Angeles as the host city because Pasadena is part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Pasadena is the specific city named in the event’s title and route. The parade is usually held on January 1, except when New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday or Monday under its scheduling rule.