The 135th Rose Parade, presented by Honda, returns to Pasadena Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Within days after the parade finishes, the parade committee will announce a new theme for the next year’s parade, and builders will begin the design process for their floats.
It takes an entire year to construct these extravagant works of art, which can cost nearly a half-million dollars for the more elaborate floats, which are largely funded by sponsors and support groups.
Each float entry may submit two design ideas that celebrate the theme of the parade. Out of approximately 200 entries each year, only about 60 are chosen by the two committees who review and approve the entries.
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WHERE THE FLORALS COME FROMThe florals used to decorate the Tournament of Roses Parade floats come from seven countries over four continents.
THE PARADE ROUTEThe parade travels north on Orange Grove Boulevard at a leisurely 2 1/2-mile-per-hour pace and then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard, where the majority of the parade viewing takes place. Near the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Boulevard and concludes at Villa Street.
PARADE MILESTONES
![1890: The first Tournament of Roses Parade was sponsored by the Valley Hunt Club, which featured a parade of flowers followed by an afternoon of chariot races, jousting, foot races and tug-of-war.](https://www.dailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1890-Rose-Parade-History-1.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
![1920: The 31st Rose Parade marked the end of the horse-drawn era. Motor-driven floats, powered by electric and gasoline engines, took over completely.](https://www.dailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1920-Rose-Parade-History.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
![1999: For the first time in Rose Parade history, four Grand Marshals were chosen to represent the 20th century: Actress and diplomat, Shirley Temple Black; astronaut Buzz Aldrin; sports legend Jackie Robinson and film producer/documentarian David L. Wolper.](https://www.dailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1999-Rose-Parade-History.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
![](https://www.dailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2015-Rose-Parade-History-4.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)
![2021: The 132nd Rose Parade was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time in 75 years that the New Year's Day tradition was canceled. It has previously been canceled during World War II in 1942, 1943, and 1945.](https://www.dailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Parade-canceled.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)