UPDATE: The 2026 Rose Parade took place under torrential rain, but spirits soared as survivors from the Eaton fire shared their resilience on the award-winning float “Rising Together.” Riding down Colorado Boulevard on January 1, 2026, survivors like Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, reported an overwhelming sense of community, stating, “After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing.”
Despite the cold and wet conditions, thousands of spectators braved the elements in Pasadena, witnessing the powerful message of hope and perseverance embodied by the float, which celebrated the memories of those lost to the fires. “Some burst into tears. That made me burst into tears too,” Chen recounted, reflecting on the emotional support from the crowd.
The “Rising Together” float, a collaboration between the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund, earned the Fantasy Award for its imaginative design featuring a phoenix rising amidst roses inscribed with names of fire victims. Fellow survivor Andrew King highlighted the importance of connection, noting, “It was a really great experience” to wave the “Altadena” flag to the crowd and receive their cheers in return.
Amidst the rain, participants from various organizations showcased their own messages of hope. Carlos Marroquin, on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation float, praised the crowd’s resilience: “If anyone needs to be applauded, it’s the people who showed up to see the floats. It was like we were supporting each other.” Marroquin shared the spotlight with prominent figures like Dolores Huerta, who, at 95, refused to shy away from the rain, embodying the spirit of activism and community support.
The emotional connections forged during the parade were palpable, with riders like Elsa Garcia-Chau from the OneLegacy Donate Life float expressing that the experience represented the essence of the human spirit. “It’s a celebration, one big jolt of ‘Wow!’” she said, emphasizing the joy of connecting with onlookers despite the downpour.
The parade also featured the UPS Store float, which set a Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish, showcasing the creativity and resilience of the community. Princess Keiko Rakin of the Rose Court remarked on the significance of the crowd’s presence, stating, “Seeing how many people still showed up despite the rain, it really showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people.”
The 137th Rose Parade not only celebrated artistic achievements but also served as a testament to the strength of community bonds. As participants waved to families and friends in the stands, the impact of the parade transcended the physical challenges presented by the weather.
As the parade concluded, survivors and participants alike carried with them a renewed sense of hope and connection. The emotional resonance of the day highlighted that even in the face of adversity, community spirit can shine through. With the rain providing a backdrop for shared memories and support, the Rose Parade of 2026 will be remembered not just for its artistic displays but for its profound human connections.
WHAT’S NEXT: The community will continue to reflect on this unique experience, utilizing the strength gathered from the parade as they move forward into the new year.
