UPDATE: Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires rode down Colorado Boulevard in the 137th Rose Parade on January 1, 2025, embracing their community spirit amidst a torrential downpour. The float, titled “Rising Together,” showcased resilience and hope, winning the Fantasy Award for its imaginative design featuring a phoenix surrounded by roses commemorating lost loved ones.
“After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing,” said Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. Her words resonated deeply with fellow survivors as they experienced an outpouring of love from the crowd rather than focusing on the weather. “If anything, it was a reminder that we are still here,” she added, reflecting the determination of the survivors.
The parade, held in Pasadena, California, drew thousands despite the rain, showcasing the community’s strength. The emotional atmosphere was palpable, with attendees rising to their feet as the survivors passed by. “Some burst into tears. That made me burst into tears too,” Chen shared, highlighting the collective spirit of resilience.
Fellow survivor Andrew King described the experience as a “tangible tug of connection,” feeling the camaraderie among float riders and the crowd. “It was a really great experience,” he said, waving an “Altadena” flag and receiving enthusiastic responses from parade-goers.
For Gina Clayton-Johnson, who lost two family homes in the Eaton fire, the parade represented a chance to create new memories with her children. “This parade has been the backdrop of my childhood,” she noted, embracing the tradition in a new light.
Among the floats was the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s “Food For Health,” which celebrates a program serving over 500,000 people weekly. Carlos Marroquin, a rider on the float, expressed admiration for the crowd that braved the rain. “If anyone needs to be applauded, it’s the people who showed up to see the floats,” he remarked. “We were supporting each other.”
The legendary Dolores Huerta, aged 95, also rode the float, embodying the spirit of perseverance. “I didn’t drive here from Victorville just to go back,” she declared, refusing an umbrella to connect more with the audience. “What a lady. Such an inspiration,” Marroquin said, encapsulating the spirit of the day.
Participants shared heartfelt moments as they engaged with the crowd, making eye contact, blowing kisses, and exchanging smiles. Elsa Garcia-Chau, a heart transplant recipient, connected with strangers, saying, “It’s a celebration, one big jolt of ‘Wow!’” The rain, she felt, added depth to the experience, highlighting the human connections forged in challenging times.
The UPS Store’s float, “Sharing Skills for Success,” won the Director’s Trophy for artistic design and set a Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish. Lonnie Melendrez, a junior at Dominguez High School, expressed excitement about sharing this experience with future generations.
Princesses of the Tournament of Roses Royal Court, donned in clear ponchos, acknowledged how the rain did not deter the crowd. “It really showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people,” said Princess Keiko Rakin. Her fellow princesses echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the joy of connecting with children and community members alike.
The parade showcased not just floats, but a shared human experience, a testament to resilience and community support. As participants reflected on their unique ride, the message was clear: in the face of adversity, togetherness shines through.
The enduring spirit of the Rose Parade, even under rain-soaked skies, serves as a reminder of the strength found in community bonds. As survivors and participants move forward, they carry with them the memories of a day where love and connection triumphed over challenges.
