DLNews Rose Parade:

Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language

Pasadena, California, is poised to host the 135th annual Rose Parade on January 1, 2024, under the enchanting theme, “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” This venerable event, a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and creativity, promises to captivate an expected audience of 800,000 spectators with its vibrant array of floral floats, equestrian units, and marching bands.

When and Where: A Journey Down Colorado Boulevard

The Rose Parade will commence at the crack of dawn, 8 a.m. PST, unfurling its splendor over a 5-mile stretch along Pasadena’s iconic Colorado Boulevard. The procession begins at the intersection of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, weaving its way through the city's heart before culminating at Villa Street.

How to Watch: From Curbside Views to Global Screens

For those eager to witness the spectacle in person, curbside seating along the parade route is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Enthusiasts can mark their spots as early as noon on December 31st, with parade organizers advising attendees to dress warmly for the chilly morning.

Grandstand seating offers a more comfortable viewing experience, with tickets ranging from $75 to $120. It's important to note that the parade route will be closed to vehicular traffic from the evening of New Year’s Eve until 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

For viewers around the globe, the parade will be broadcast live on networks including ABC, NBC, and Univision, starting at 8 a.m. PST/11 a.m. EST. Additionally, the parade will be streamed on platforms like YouTube and Pluto TV, ensuring no one misses out on this magnificent display.

Star-studded Celebrations

This year’s parade, hosted by luminaries such as CBS anchor Jericka Duncan and Nickelodeon actor Gabrielle Elyse, will be further elevated by renowned personalities. Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award-winning actress Audra McDonald will grace the event as the grand marshal, epitomizing the parade's theme.

Grammy-nominated singer Jordin Sparks will join the celebration in the grand finale. At the same time, Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams and other stars will enliven the parade with musical performances, embodying the spirit of the theme.

What to Expect: A Feast for the Senses

The Rose Parade 2024 promises a dazzling array of floats, each vying for awards in design, presentation, and entertainment value. Expect to see a giant dragon float celebrating Alhambra's Asian and Latino communities, a whimsical sheepdog alongside a gramophone, and a 1960s-themed hippie bus.

The 105th Rose Queen and her court will appear on a float, showcasing the diversity of Pasadena's local high schools. Arcadia High School senior Naomi Stillitano was crowned this year.

The parade will pulse with the rhythms of various marching bands, including the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band and the Scottish Pipes on Parade. The horse cavalries, featuring breeds like the quarter horses and the Budweiser Clydesdales, will add a regal touch to the procession.

Post-Parade Excitement: The Rose Bowl Game

Following the parade, the 110th Rose Bowl game will kick off at 1 p.m. PT, featuring a thrilling face-off between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, with tickets available online.

Join the Celebration

The Rose Parade 2024 is more than just a parade; it's a global celebration of music, unity, and the shared language of culture and creativity. Whether attending in person, camping along the parade route, or tuning in from afar, this event is a not-to-be-missed spectacle that brings together communities worldwide in vibrant harmony and joy.