Traditionally held on 1 January along a 5.5-mile parade route at the foot of the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena and at the nearby Rose Bowl stadium, the event officially ushers in the New Year for the hundreds of thousands of spectators in attendance and for millions of TV viewers worldwide.
The Rose Parade, which first debuted in 1890, features celebrity participants, marching bands 300 strong, equestrian teams and dozens of elaborate floats, every inch of which are covered with real flowers, leaves and bark.
The Rose Bowl, known as the Granddaddy of Bowl Games, was first played in 1902 and matches the Pac-12 and Big Ten conference champions or acts as a College Football Play-off semi-final.
Event themes
This colourful spectacle is equal parts a celebration of the arts and sports, bringing thousands of spectators to Pasadena and the iconic Rose Bowl stadium every year.
- Art
- Entertainment
- Music
- Outdoors
- Sports