Rose Parade facts for kids
The Rose Parade, also called the Tournament of Roses Parade, is a huge celebration held every year in Pasadena, California. It happens on New Year's Day, January 1st. If New Year's Day is a Sunday, the parade moves to Monday, January 2nd. This special event is famous for its amazing floats covered in flowers, lively marching bands, and beautiful horses with their riders. After the parade, everyone watches the exciting Rose Bowl college football game. A group called the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association organizes this fun event.
Contents
The Rose Parade: A New Year's Tradition
The Rose Parade is a long-standing tradition that kicks off the new year for many people. It's known as "America's New Year Celebration." People from all over the world come to see the parade or watch it on TV.
What You See at the Parade
The parade is a colorful show featuring three main things:
- Flower Floats: These are giant moving artworks covered entirely in natural materials. They use millions of flowers, plants, and seeds.
- Marching Bands: Talented high school and college bands from across the country perform. They play music and march in formation.
- Equestrian Units: These groups feature horses and riders in special costumes. They show off different horse breeds and riding styles.
The Rose Bowl Game
Right after the parade, the Rose Bowl Game takes place. This is a major college football game played at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. It's a big event for sports fans and a perfect way to end the New Year's celebration.
How the Parade Started
The first Tournament of Roses Parade happened way back in 1890. Members of Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club wanted to show off California's mild winter weather. They invited people from the colder East Coast to come and enjoy the sunshine. The first parades had horse-drawn carriages decorated with flowers. They also featured chariot races and other outdoor games. Over time, the parade grew bigger and more popular. The football game was added later, becoming the famous Rose Bowl Game.
Getting Ready for the Parade
Preparing for the Rose Parade is a huge job that takes many months.
Building the Floats
Float building starts almost a year in advance. Designers create amazing ideas for the floats. Then, teams of builders construct the float structures. In the days leading up to the parade, thousands of volunteers help decorate the floats. They carefully place every flower, leaf, and seed by hand. It's a race against time to get everything ready before New Year's Day.
Volunteers Make It Happen
The parade relies a lot on volunteers. These dedicated people, often called "White Suiters" because of their white uniforms, help organize everything. They guide the floats, manage the bands, and make sure the parade runs smoothly. Many volunteers have been helping for years, making it a family tradition.
Spectators and Camping Out
Thousands of people line the streets of Pasadena to watch the parade in person. Some buy tickets for grandstand seats. Others arrive the night before and camp out on the sidewalks. They bring blankets, chairs, and snacks to save their spot. It's a fun way to experience the excitement of the parade up close.
Images for kids
-
A Chariot Race during the 1908 or 1911 Tournament of Roses; later replaced by the Rose Bowl Game
-
Tournament House, also known as the Wrigley mansion
-
A close-up of roses used to create a parade float
-
Float and "White Suiter" volunteer
-
First Cavalry Division Equestrian Unit, US Army, Ft. Hood TX, at the 2007 Rose Parade
-
USMC color guard at the 2007 Rose Parade
-
Londonderry High School Marching Lancer Band, from New Hampshire during the 2004 parade
-
Theme float "2010: A Cut Above the Rest" rolling down Colorado Boulevard during the parade
-
2015 Grand Marshal Louis Zamperini at Tournament House
-
Volunteers
-
Eagle Scouts carrying banner
-
Spectators gather before the 2004 Rose Parade: some pay for seats in stands; others spend the night to "reserve" a free spot on the sidewalks.
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Desfile del Torneo de las Rosas para niños
