UPDATE: The 137th Rose Parade, held on January 1, 2026, witnessed an extraordinary display of resilience as fire survivors rode through a torrential downpour on the “Rising Together” float in Pasadena. This unique experience highlighted the strength of community amid adversity, with participants declaring the rain a mere backdrop for an emotional celebration of survival.
Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, shared her heartfelt reflections on the wet and cold ride down Colorado Boulevard. “After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing,” she stated. “If anything, it was a reminder that we are still here.” Chen described the overwhelming love from the crowd as they recognized the survivors, saying, “As soon as they saw our float, they jumped to their feet. Some burst into tears. That made me burst into tears too.”
The “Rising Together” float, created by the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund, won the prestigious Fantasy Award for imagination. Its design featured a stunning red and orange phoenix mid-ascent, surrounded by roses inscribed with the names of those lost in the devastating fires.
Fellow survivor Andrew King echoed Chen’s sentiments, saying the experience fostered a deep sense of community. “It was a really great experience,” he remarked, recalling the connections forged with the crowd as he waved the “Altadena” flag.
Participants expressed the significance of creating new memories amidst loss. Gina Clayton-Johnson, who lost two homes in the Eaton fire, emphasized how riding in the parade allowed her to share a cherished tradition with her children. “This parade has been the backdrop of my childhood,” she noted.
The rain not only united the survivors but also the audience. Carlos Marroquin, who rode on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s “Food For Health” float, celebrated the crowd’s unwavering support despite the weather. “If anyone needs to be applauded, it’s the people who showed up to see the floats,” he said, highlighting the shared spirit of resilience.
Dolores Huerta, the iconic labor leader and activist, also joined the parade, showcasing her commitment to community despite the inclement weather. When offered an umbrella, she declined, stating, “I didn’t drive here from Victorville just to go back. I’m here to support your efforts.” Huerta’s determination inspired many, as she waved to the crowd, embodying the spirit of perseverance.
Elsa Garcia-Chau, a heart transplant recipient and OneLegacy ambassador, shared her poignant experience riding on the “Treasure Every Moment Together” float. “The rain only added a new dimension to my Rose Parade experience. It’s a celebration, one big jolt of ‘Wow!’” she said, reflecting on the connections made with spectators.
The UPS Store float, featuring a giant seahorse, also made headlines, winning the Director’s Trophy for artistic design and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish. Junior Achievement representative Lonnie Melendrez expressed pride in being part of such a memorable event, stating it would be a cherished memory to share with his future children.
The Rose Court members, despite their clear ponchos, were moved by the community turnout. Princess Keiko Rakin remarked, “Seeing how many people still showed up despite the rain, it really showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people.”
As the parade wrapped up, sentiments of unity and resilience echoed among participants and spectators alike. Joy Chen concluded with a powerful message: “We need to keep moving forward and don’t let anything stop us from being community.” This year’s Rose Parade exemplified not just a celebration, but a testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges.
