UPDATE: The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, dazzled attendees on January 1, 2026, showcasing a spectacular array of floats that captivated spectators along Colorado Boulevard. From vibrant floral displays to intricate designs, this year’s entries exemplified creativity and dedication, with many floats featuring over 100,000 individual blooms.
The San Francisco Travel Association made a grand debut, presenting their float titled “Believe In San Francisco,” adorned with a staggering 15,000 fluorescent orange marigolds that created oversized California poppies. The float celebrated the iconic landmarks of the city, bringing the sights and sounds of San Francisco to life amidst cheers from the crowd.
In a heartwarming tribute, Visit Mississippi showcased a giant Kermit the Frog on their float “Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms,” featuring a musical performance by Mississippi-native Charlie Worsham. This float honored the legacy of Kermit’s creator, Jim Henson, who hailed from Leland, Mississippi, adding an emotional touch to the parade.
As part of the nation’s semicentennial celebrations, the “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years” float from America250 depicted a stunning landscape filled with botanical wonders. Featuring three majestic bald eagles, the float represented the past, present, and future of the United States, resonating deeply with onlookers.
This year also saw the return of The UPS Store with their impressive under-the-sea themed float, “Sharing Skills For Success.” A remarkable 34-foot-tall animatronic seahorse captured the audience’s attention, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish ever made, adorned with 170,000 flowers.
The Cal Poly Universities earned the coveted Sweepstakes Award for the most beautiful float, “Jungle Jumpstart.” The student-created masterpiece featured rainforest animals working together to restore an old robot, a visual metaphor for teamwork and collaboration.
In a poignant moment, the float “Rising Together” from the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund honored victims of the early 2025 wildfires. Featuring a phoenix rising from the center, the float was a symbol of resilience and hope amidst recent tragedies.
Traditions continued with Kiwanis International, showcasing a delightful float, “Happy Together,” featuring a quartet of hippos enjoying a watering hole, crafted with meticulous attention to detail using various seeds and flowers.
With thousands lining the streets to witness the event, the 2026 Rose Parade not only celebrated artistic expression but also highlighted community spirit, resilience, and the joy of togetherness.
As the world turns its eyes to Pasadena, these stunning floats set the stage for discussions on creativity, community, and the significance of traditions in the face of modern challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as the celebratory atmosphere continues to unfold in this iconic annual event.
