Which Pasadena parade is traditionally held on New Year's Day?

Pasadena’s traditional New Year’s Day parade is the Rose Parade, also called the Tournament of Roses Parade.

Held mainly along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, the event features flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. It is produced by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association and usually begins on the morning of January 1.

The parade began on January 1, 1890, when members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club wanted to showcase Southern California’s mild winter climate and abundant flowers. Early festivities included unusual attractions such as ostrich races and a camel-versus-elephant race before the event developed into its modern floral spectacle.

The Rose Bowl football game became associated with the celebration in 1902 and is generally played later the same day. A longstanding scheduling rule moves the parade to January 2 when January 1 falls on a Sunday, so it does not disrupt Sunday church services. The Rose Parade was also canceled in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.