UPDATE: Float riders at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, braved a torrential rainstorm on January 1, 2026, but their spirits soared high as they celebrated resilience and community. Survivors of the Eaton Fire rode the award-winning float “Rising Together,” which showcased a vibrant phoenix and honored those lost to the fire.
Despite the downpour, Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, expressed that the rain was a mere backdrop to a powerful experience. “After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing,” she said. “It was a reminder that we are still here.”
The float, a collaboration between the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund, won the Fantasy Award for its imaginative design, featuring roses inscribed with the names of loved ones lost. The heartfelt connection between float riders and the crowd was palpable, with many spectators rising to their feet and shedding tears of empathy as they witnessed the emotional journey of the survivors.
Fellow survivor Andrew King shared his profound sense of community. “Between the camaraderie among everyone on the float and the feeling of being seen, it was a really great experience,” he remarked.
Parade participant Gina Clayton-Johnson, who lost two family homes to the fire, embraced the opportunity to create new memories. “This parade has been the backdrop of my childhood, and now a tradition I get to share with my children,” she noted.
The emotional impact of the day extended beyond the Eaton survivors. Carlos Marroquin, who rode on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation float “Food for Health,” highlighted the solidarity of the crowd. “When it started raining hard, we felt that connection,” he stated. Marroquin also praised labor pioneer Dolores Huerta, 95, who insisted on participating despite the inclement weather. “She didn’t drive here from Victorville just to go back,” he said, reflecting her unwavering commitment to community support.
In a heartwarming moment, Elsa Garcia-Chau, a heart transplant recipient and advocate for organ donation, shared her joy of connecting with the crowd. “I was looking up into the stands, blowing kisses and receiving them back. That was beautiful,” she said, emphasizing the parade’s ability to foster connections among strangers.
The rain, while challenging, transformed the day into a memorable celebration of resilience. “My heart is full because I saw a lot of people out there that the rain didn’t stop,” Marroquin added. “We need to keep moving forward and don’t let anything stop us from being community.”
One of the standout floats, OneLegacy Donate Life, featured a dazzling canoe and highlighted the importance of life and connection. Participants like Garcia-Chau felt that the experience encapsulated the essence of humanity, saying, “It’s a celebration, one big jolt of ‘Wow!’”
As the parade concluded, the enduring spirit of the participants was evident. Princess Keiko Rakin of the Rose Court noted the significance of community, stating, “Seeing how many people still showed up despite the rain showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people.”
The Rose Parade not only showcased stunning floats but also illuminated the strength of community bonds in times of adversity. As participants reflected on their unique experiences, the overwhelming message was clear: together, they would rise above the challenges.
As the rain-soaked crowd cheered, the stories of resilience and connection echoed, making this year’s Rose Parade a truly unforgettable event. Stay tuned for more updates on community celebrations and resilience stories in the coming days.
