On Thursday, January 1st, the annual Rose Parade took place in Pasadena, California, in the United States. This year marked the first time in nearly 20 years that the event was held in the rain. However, the rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators, and the atmosphere at the parade was exceptionally lively.
The Rose Parade, which originated in 1890, is one of the grandest New Year celebration events in the United States, now in its 137th year. The theme of this year’s parade was “The Magic in Teamwork,” celebrating the spirit and power of teamwork in achieving greater success together. In line with this theme, NBA star Earvin Johnson, also known as “Magic,” was appointed as the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Rose Parade.
The parade kicked off as scheduled around 8 a.m. despite the rain. The continuous downpour did not deter people from enthusiastically participating in this annual joyous event. The sidewalks along Colorado Boulevard in downtown Pasadena were filled with spectators, and cheers of “Happy New Year” filled the air.
Following tradition, the parade began with police motorcycles adorned with fresh flowers leading the way for the floats. Over the 5.5-mile parade route, nearly 40 floats decorated with flowers, 19 marching bands from the U.S., Mexico, and Japan, and 17 equestrian units made their way, showcasing a variety of highlights. Of particular note was the float commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, featuring three giant American bald eagles, which attracted people to capture the moment with photographs.
Furthermore, local Chinese-American high school student Serena Guo was crowned the 2026 “Rose Queen.” She rode on a float alongside six “Rose Princesses,” capturing the attention of all present.
The 2026 Rose Parade not only celebrated tradition and teamwork but also highlighted the diverse and talented individuals who participated in this grand event, showcasing unity and joy in the face of challenges.