The 2025 Rose Parade: A Celebration of "Best Day Ever!"
The Rose Parade, a cherished New Year’s Day tradition, is set to enchant audiences once again in 2025. Officially known as the Tournament of Roses, this vibrant spectacle has graced the streets of Pasadena, California, almost annually since 1890, with only a few interruptions due to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Held on January 1st, or the following Monday if New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday, the parade draws thousands of participants and captivates millions of viewers nationwide and globally. This year’s parade, themed "Best Day Ever!", promises to be a memorable celebration of life’s joyous moments, big and small.
The parade’s procession unfolds along a two-hour route, commencing at the intersection of Green Street and Colorado Boulevard and culminating at Villa Street. Starting at 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. ET), the parade showcases a captivating array of participants, including elaborately decorated floats, equestrian units, spirited marching bands, and Tournament Entries. Many of these participants have long-standing connections to the Tournament of Roses, upholding the event’s rich traditions. Following the parade, the Rose Bowl Game, a tradition initiated in 1902 to support the parade’s funding, will feature a gridiron clash between the Oregon Ducks and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
For those unable to attend in person, the 2025 Rose Parade will be readily accessible via live stream. Pasadena Star-News will offer a free YouTube stream, capturing the procession from a vantage point near the 210 freeway bridge. National coverage will be provided by ABC, broadcasting live from 11 a.m. ET. This accessibility ensures that the parade’s magic can be enjoyed by a vast audience.
The 2025 Rose Parade boasts an impressive lineup of participants, reflecting the "Best Day Ever!" theme. American tennis icon Billie Jean King will serve as Grand Marshal, a choice that resonates perfectly with the theme’s celebration of life’s peak moments. The parade will showcase 39 meticulously crafted floats, representing various organizations, including the University of Oregon, Ohio State University, event sponsor Honda, the San Diego Zoo, Trader Joe’s, the U.S. Army, and even a tribute to the recently released film adaptation of the musical "Wicked."
Adding to the parade’s vibrant atmosphere, 20 marching bands will fill the air with music, including the United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band, the Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band, and numerous school bands. Sixteen mounted units will also grace the procession, featuring the United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Arabian Horse Association Versatile Arabians. This diverse array of participants promises a captivating visual and auditory experience.
Event president Ed Morales emphasized the theme’s focus on celebrating life’s cherished moments, both grand and simple. He stated, "The 2025 theme celebrates life’s best moments – those unexpected times that bring a smile, warm our hearts and fill us with joy. From a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the simplest pleasures, each is indelibly etched into our memory." The parade aims to be a collective celebration of shared experiences and moments of gratitude, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.
In preparation for the parade, the Pasadena Police Department, in collaboration with event organizers, will implement road closures along the parade route. Starting at 10:00 p.m. on December 31st and continuing until 2:00 p.m. on January 1st, Colorado Boulevard between Orange Grove Boulevard and Sierra Madre Boulevard, as well as Sierra Madre Boulevard north to Paloma Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic. A designated seating area along Orange Grove Boulevard will require valid tickets for entry, ensuring a smooth and organized experience for attendees.
The Rose Parade’s history is replete with memorable moments. The inaugural parade in 1890 featured a distinctly sporting theme, incorporating chariot racing, jousting, and tug-of-war competitions. A significant shift occurred in 1920, when motor-driven floats replaced horse-drawn carriages, marking a technological advancement in the parade’s presentation. The 1999 Rose Parade saw a unique occurrence with four individuals sharing the Grand Marshal title: actress Shirley Temple, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, documentary filmmaker David L. Wolper, and sports legend Jackie Robinson. The 2024 parade, themed "Celebrating a World of Music," featured performances by Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
While official attendance figures for the Rose Parade are not released, the 2024 event was hailed as the largest in three years by local media, with unofficial estimates ranging from 500,000 to 700,000 attendees. Organizers anticipate a similarly robust turnout for the 2025 parade, as people gather to partake in this cherished New Year’s Day tradition.
