UPDATE: Rain may have drenched the streets of Pasadena, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of float riders at the 137th Rose Parade on January 1, 2025. Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires celebrated their resilience aboard the “Rising Together” float, which captured attention and hearts, showcasing a vibrant phoenix rising amidst a storm.
Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, expressed the emotional weight of the experience. “After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing,” she stated. “It was a reminder that we are still here.” The float, representing the California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund, won the Fantasy Award for its imaginative design, featuring roses inscribed with names of those lost to the fires.
As the parade progressed along Colorado Boulevard, the rain transformed into an outpouring of love from the crowd. “As soon as they saw our float and us survivors, they jumped to their feet,” Chen recalled, highlighting the emotional connection that resonated through the downpour. Fellow survivor, Andrew King, echoed her sentiments, stating, “It was a really great experience to feel seen by so many.”
The parade, which drew thousands despite the harsh weather, highlighted the strength of community. Gina Clayton-Johnson, who lost two homes in the Eaton fire, shared, “This parade has been the backdrop of my childhood and now a tradition I get to share with my children.” The sheer presence of the crowd, even in rain-soaked attire, emphasized the importance of togetherness in challenging times.
Carlos Marroquin, riding on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation float, celebrated the connection forged between participants and spectators. “When it started raining hard, you just felt that connection between us and them,” he said, praising the audience for their support. Marroquin also noted the inspiring presence of Dolores Huerta, the 95-year-old labor leader, who insisted on participating despite the weather. “She wanted people to be able to see her,” he said, showcasing her dedication to community engagement.
Amidst the floats, the OneLegacy Donate Life float featured heart transplant recipient Elsa Garcia-Chau. Her experience riding in the parade was filled with connection and joy, as she blew kisses to the crowd, feeling the warmth of shared humanity. “It’s a celebration, one big jolt of ‘Wow!’” Garcia-Chau remarked, emphasizing how the rain added a unique dimension to the experience.
The UPS Store float set a new Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish while also reminding young riders like Lonnie Melendrez of the significance of such moments. Princess Keiko Rakin of the Rose Court noted, “Seeing how many people still showed up despite the rain showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people.”
This year’s parade, heavy with emotional weight and community spirit, reminded participants and spectators alike of the importance of coming together during difficult times. As the final float passed through, the smiles, waves, and shared moments underscored a powerful message: resilience thrives even amidst the storm.
As celebrations continue, the stories emerging from this year’s event serve to inspire hope and unity, emphasizing that no amount of rain can wash away the bonds forged in community.
