Who doesn’t love flowers? They say a simple rose can win hearts. True. And probably the people of the USA understood this and dedicated a whole festival to celebrate the beauty of flowers. Since then, The Rose Parade has become an iconic New Year’s Day tradition. Shall we also take some time out to appreciate this scented environment?
A little petal of history
The garden full of flowers even in the chilling winters prompted the members of the Valley Hunt Club led by Charles Frederick Holder back in 1890 to begin a parade before the competition, where participants would decorate carriages with colorful flowers. While addressing one of the meeting, Holder said that it would be remarkable if the world would come to know about this paradise of America when people are braving chilly weather. Since then, every New Year, visitors experience the beauty of floral floats along with spirited marching bands along the route down Colorado Boulevard.
What happens at the parade?
The Rose Day Parade begins on January 1 every year. But if January 1 falls on a Sunday, then in that case the parade happens the following day on January 2. This happens because the members of the club don’t want to disturb Sunday Mass Church meetings. How considerate of them! This year the theme of the parade is ‘The Power of Hope’.
The people behind the flowers
Since all the volunteers wear white suits, they have been nicknames as ‘White-Suiters’. These men and women bound by the community spirit give up their evenings, weekends and vacations to make the Rose Parade a success.
The flowery route
This two-hour parade of magnificent floral floats, competent marching bands, qualified equestrians starts at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena and ends at Sierra Madre Boulevard at Villa Street. It’s a journey of over 5 miles. Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association has 935 volunteers who join with other members to spend countless hours to make this event possible. Bravo!
Looking for a seat?
We can witness the parade for free if you are patient enough to find a spot in the designated areas throughout the parade route. Or you can please yourself with a sit in bleachers (grandstand seats), but you need to buy a ticket for that. Children below two can sit in the lap of an adult for free. There is also a free curbside seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
So hurry! Grab your seat by just a few clicks at Cheapfareguru who will take care of all your travel and accommodation needs.
Till then, keep spreading your scent like a rose!
