UPDATE: The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, witnessed an extraordinary display of resilience as fire survivors rode the “Rising Together” float through a torrential downpour on January 1, 2026. Despite the challenging weather, participants shared powerful moments of community and hope that resonated deeply with spectators along the route.
Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, stated, “After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing. If anything, it was a reminder that we are still here. And somewhere along the way, we are becoming tough as nails.” The float, created by the California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund, won the Fantasy Award for its imaginative design featuring a phoenix surrounded by roses.
The emotional atmosphere was palpable as the float made its way down Colorado Boulevard. Joy Chen described the crowd’s reaction: “As soon as they saw our float, and us survivors, they jumped to their feet. Some burst into tears. That made me burst into tears too.” The display of support was a testament to the enduring spirit of the community.
Survivor Andrew King echoed Chen’s sentiments, reflecting on the tangible connection he felt with the crowd. “Between the camaraderie among everyone on the float and the feeling of being seen by so many, it was a really great experience,” he said. Fellow survivor Gina Clayton-Johnson, who lost two family homes in the fire, noted that riding in the parade allowed her to create new, uplifting memories with her children.
Carlos Marroquin, national director for food programs at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, also participated in the parade on their “Food for Health” float. He emphasized the significance of community support during the rain, stating, “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.”
Notably, Dolores Huerta, a renowned labor leader, was among the riders, refusing to let the rain dampen her spirit. “I didn’t drive here from Victorville just to go back. I’m here to support your efforts,” she said, as she waved to the cheering crowd, inspiring many with her resilience and dedication.
The rain, rather than detracting from the experience, added a unique dimension to the event. Elsa Garcia-Chau, a heart transplant recipient and OneLegacy ambassador, shared her joy of connecting with parade-goers. “I was looking up into the stands and my thing was to blow them a kiss. I know they saw me when they returned it,” she said, highlighting the powerful human connection fostered during the event.
The UPS Store float, “Sharing Skills for Success,” won accolades for its artistic design, including a Guinness World Record for the largest animatronic fish. Princesses from the Rose Court, including Serena Guo, recognized the significance of community presence despite the weather. “Seeing how many people still showed up despite the rain really showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people,” she remarked.
The emotional highlights of the parade were marked not only by the floats but also by the interactions between participants and the audience. Each wave and smile exchanged were reminders of the community’s strength and unity in the face of adversity.
As the event concluded, the overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude and empowerment. Marroquin expressed, “My heart is full because I saw a lot of people out there that the rain didn’t stop. We need that. We need to keep moving forward and don’t let anything stop us from being community.”
The Rose Parade 2026 will be remembered not just for its floats but for the stories of resilience, connection, and hope shared among fire survivors and the community. As participants carry these memories into the new year, they embody the spirit of perseverance that defines the human experience.
