Step into the vibrant world of the 135th Rose Parade, where colorful floats, horses, and marching bands come together to welcome the New Year in Pasadena, California. This yearly celebration on NBC is more than just a visual spectacle—it carries a special theme that adds a meaningful touch to the festivities. In this article, we’ll explore what is the theme of Rose Parade 2024, discovering how the theme will bring people together. Join us as we unravel the beauty of the parade, where flowers and music create a language that speaks to everyone, crossing borders and celebrating our shared cultures, beliefs, dreams, and hopes.
When and where did the parade take place?
The Rose Parade commenced at 8 a.m. PST on January 1, covering a distance of over 5 miles along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard. The parade route began at the intersection of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, proceeded eastward on Colorado Boulevard, and concluded at Villa Street after making a northward turn onto Sierra Madre Boulevard.
Where to watch Rose Parade?
The breath-taking procession of the Rose Parade 2024 unfolded on multiple television networks, captivating audiences on ABC, NBC, and Univision. Commencing at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. EST, the vibrant spectacle graced screens across the nation, offering a visual feast of floral artistry and the infectious energy of marching bands. Furthermore, viewers have the option to immerse themselves in the parade through streaming platforms such as YouTube and Pluto TV.
Additionally, take advantage of the NBC free trial offer and have the flexibility to cancel your NBC subscription at your convenience. Explore the competitive pricing options available for NBC now and immerse yourself in the excitement of this captivating event.
What is the theme of Rose Parade 2024?
A whopping 800,000 eager spectators gathered in Pasadena, California, to witness the enchanting spectacle of floral floats and lively marching bands gracing the streets during the 135th Rose Parade. The parade’s theme, carefully curated for this year, is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.”
The visionary choice of the theme by the 2024 Tournament of Roses President, Alex Aghajanian, resonates deeply. In a world adorned with diverse cultures, beliefs, aspirations, and dreams, the unifying force that binds us all finds expression in the harmonious notes of music. As the parade unfolded, the theme came to life, weaving a tapestry of cultural richness through the language that transcends boundaries — music. Moreover, you can also watch Rose Parade 2024 outside USA with some very simple steps, if you are residing beyond US boundaries.
What were the highlights of Rose Parade?
The grand marshal for the event was Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award-winning actress Audra McDonald, selected for her contributions to the parade’s theme. Highlights of the parade included various floats that captured the essence of the theme. The Cowboy Channel’s “Cowgirls Rule!” float won the Americana Trophy for its depiction of national treasures and traditions, featuring a performance by country singer Annie Bosko.
Kiwanis International’s “Serving in Harmony” float, which depicted a sheepdog listening to music on a gramophone with a piano in the background, was awarded the Tournament Volunteer Trophy. The San Diego Zoo’s float, “It Began with a Roar,” showcasing representations of the zoo’s animals, won the Sweepstakes Trophy for the most beautiful entry.
The parade also featured a float celebrating Illinois, titled “Illinois: The Middle of Beats & Blues,” paying tribute to the Blues Brothers and Route 66. The float showcased the a cappella group “Straight No Chaser,” performing music of the Blues Brothers.
Performances at the Rose Parade
In addition to the floats, the parade included performances by various artists and bands, aligning with the theme of celebrating music. Michelle Williams, a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer and former member of Destiny’s Child, performed in the parade’s opening act. The parade also saw performances by Emmy-nominated songwriter Alexander Star, the “Explore Louisiana” float featuring Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, guitarist James Burton, and Grammy-nominated Zydeco musician Sean Ardoin. The parade concluded with a grand finale performance by Grammy-nominated singer and “American Idol” Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks.
Rose Parade’s 135 year history
In 1890, the inaugural Rose Parade, organized by the Valley Hunt Club, a private social club in Pasadena, aimed to showcase the vibrant winter blooms of Southern California. The early parades featured horse-drawn carriages adorned with hundreds of colorful flowers, accompanied by various games such as chariot races, jousting, foot races, and tug-of-war.
By the 1920s, the parade had transitioned entirely to motor-driven floats. Its televised debut occurred in the 1940s, and in 1954, the festivities achieved another milestone as the first colour broadcast in the U.S. The Rose Parade has since become an annual New Year’s Day tradition, except for cancellations during World War II in 1942, 1943, and 1945, as well as in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.
What’s the wrap?
The Rose Parade’s long-standing tradition, dating back to 1890, has evolved over the years, transitioning from horse-drawn carriages to motor-driven floats and expanding its broadcast reach. This year’s parade, with its theme of celebrating music as a universal language, brought together diverse performances. Now that you know what is the theme of Rose Parade 2024, you can expect artistic expressions and dazzling performances showcasing the unifying power of music in a vibrant and colourful display.
