The Rose Parade takes place in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day, immediately after New Year’s Eve.
The event is officially the Tournament of Roses Parade. It features elaborate floats decorated with natural materials, marching bands, and equestrian units traveling along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard. Its pageantry makes it one of the most recognizable American holiday broadcasts.
The first parade was held in 1890. Organizers created it to promote Pasadena’s mild winter climate, contrasting the city with colder parts of the United States. The associated Rose Bowl college football game began later, in 1902, and is a separate event even though both are connected with the Tournament of Roses.
The parade traditionally takes place on January 1, but a long-standing rule moves it to January 2 when January 1 falls on a Sunday. This avoids conflict with local church services and related logistics.