Pasadena hosts the Rose Parade on New Year's Day, following New Year's Eve celebrations.
The Tournament of Roses Parade travels along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. Its floats are famous for being covered with natural materials such as flowers, seeds, leaves, and bark. Marching bands and equestrian groups also take part, making the event a major televised continuation of the holiday period.
The first parade was held in 1890, organized by the Pasadena Valley Hunt Club. The event developed as a way to showcase Southern California's mild winter climate to visitors from colder parts of the United States.
The parade is traditionally held on January 1, except when New Year's Day falls on a Sunday; in that case, it moves to January 2. This rule avoids conflicting with Sunday church services. The Rose Bowl college football game is also connected with Pasadena's New Year's Day festivities, but the parade and game are separate events.