Despite a steady rain, the 137th Rose Parade kicked off in Pasadena, California, on Thursday morning. Michael Brooks, a 41-year-old resident of Monterey Park, was among the dedicated spectators who braved the weather, securing a front-row seat for his family – a first-time experience for them all.
A Rare Rainy Parade
This year’s parade marks only the 11th time in its 137-year history that the event has taken place in the rain. The tradition, which began in 1890, was originally intended to showcase Southern California’s typically mild winter climate. As of 4 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service reported 1.12 inches of rain had fallen in eastern Pasadena over the previous two days, with 0.94 inches recorded in downtown Los Angeles. Forecasters predicted continued rain, with a possibility of thunderstorms, throughout the morning.
Organizers had prepared for inclement weather, with a meteorologist on hand and contingency plans in place, according to City of Pasadena spokesperson Lisa Derderian. “Throughout the year, we train on worst-case scenarios and always hope for the best,” Derderian said.
Community Resilience on Display
The parade took place against a backdrop of recent hardship for some local residents. The Eaton fire, which destroyed thousands of homes in nearby Altadena, occurred almost a year prior. The Tournament of Roses is providing over 1,000 complimentary grandstand tickets to those affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
Despite the rain, the spirit of the parade remained undampened. Vendors, like a group of women from the San Fernando Valley selling tamales, reported brisk business. Spectators, such as Jeff Landis of Glendale, employed creative solutions to stay dry, even fashioning trash bags into waterproof layers for his children.
Looking Ahead
The parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork” and led by Grand Marshal Earvin “Magic” Johnson, is expected to last approximately two hours. Roads closed Wednesday night are scheduled to reopen by 2 p.m. Thursday. This year also marks the first time the parade will be live-streamed on TikTok, expanding its reach to a new audience. Should the rain continue, officials anticipate a potential increase in calls related to hypothermia and foot injuries among those marching along the 5.5-mile route. It is possible that parade organizers may need to activate additional support personnel to assist attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does it rain on the Rose Parade?
According to the National Weather Service, rain has fallen on just 10% of all New Year’s Days between 1878 and 2025. This year’s parade is only the 11th rainy parade in its history.
What was the most rain recorded on New Year’s Day in Pasadena?
In 1934, Pasadena received 3.12 inches of rain on New Year’s Day – the highest amount ever recorded for the holiday.
Who is the Grand Marshal of this year’s Rose Parade?
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers legend and a co-owner of the Dodgers, Sparks, and other professional sports franchises, is the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade.
What does the Rose Parade mean to you and your community?
