The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is one of the most popular and beloved events in the United States. Every year, on January 1, millions of people tune in to watch the parade of colorful floats, marching bands, equestrian units, and celebrities that make their way through the streets of Pasadena, California. The parade is also a precursor to the Rose Bowl Game, the oldest and most prestigious college football game in the country.
The 2024 Rose Parade was no exception, as it delivered a spectacular show of music, culture, and sports. The parade’s theme was “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language”, and it featured performances by some of the well-known names in the entertainment industry, as well as stunning floral displays and creative designs. In this article, we will tell you everything about the highlights and the best moments from the Rose Parade 2024.
Highlights and Best Moments
The Rose Parade 2024, themed “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language”, was a spectacular display of floral floats, equestrian units, marching bands, and celebrity performances. The parade, which took place on January 1 in Pasadena, California, attracted over 800,000 spectators and millions of viewers from around the world. Here are some of the top highlights from the parade:
Audra McDonald
The actress who has won Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards was chosen by the president of the Tournament of Roses Association to serve as the grand marshal of the parade. This is an honorary position given to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the parade’s theme. McDonald, who is known for her roles in Broadway musicals, television shows, and films, waved to the crowd from a floral float and sang “America the Beautiful” at the opening ceremony. The Fresno native expressed her honor and excitement to lead the parade, which she watched every year as a child. She also embodied the theme of “Celebrating a World of Music” with her versatile and acclaimed singing and acting career, spanning genres from opera to jazz to Broadway.
Michelle Williams
The vocalist and former member of Destiny’s Child began the celebrations by singing “A Brand New Day” from the Broadway show “The Wiz”, accompanied by “American Idol” alum David Archuleta, “The Voice” champion Cassadee Pope, and musician Rush Davis. The performance featured dancers, acrobats, and a colorful float with a giant rainbow and musical instruments.
Jordin Sparks
The singer who received a Grammy nomination and won Season 6 of “American Idol” concluded the parade’s grand finale by performing “This Is Me” from the film “The Greatest Showman”. Sparks, who also starred in the Broadway musical “Waitress”, sang from a float decorated with roses, orchids, and carnations, and was surrounded by dancers and singers.
The Cowboy Channel’s “Cowgirls Rule!”
The float honoring women in Western sports was awarded the Americana Trophy for its portrayal of beloved national customs and traditions. The float included a live performance by country artist Annie Bosko, who sang her original song “Cowgirl”. The float also showcased cowgirls performing various skills, such as barrel racing, roping, and trick riding. The float was designed by Fiesta Parade Floats and covered with thousands of roses, orchids, carnations, and other flowers. The float was a tribute to the resilience and strength of Western women in sports, as well as the launch of The Cowgirl Channel, a sister network of The Cowboy Channel dedicated to women in Western sports and culture.
Kiwanis International’s “Serving in Harmony”
The float highlighting the global service organization’s efforts to improve the lives of children and communities won the Tournament Volunteer Trophy for its outstanding floral presentation that embodied the parade’s theme. The float featured an image of a sheepdog enjoying music from a gramophone, with a piano visible in the background. The float also had a rotating globe with the Kiwanis logo and the words “Children Need Kiwanis” in different languages.
San Diego Zoo’s “It Began with a Roar”
The float designed to celebrate the zoo’s centennial anniversary was awarded the Sweepstakes Trophy for its exceptional design, floral arrangements, and entertainment value. The float showcased various animals from the zoo, including Karen the orangutan, Omeo the koala, Chinook the polar bear, Gramma the Galapagos tortoise, and Rex the lion – a symbol of the zoo. The float also had live plants and flowers from the zoo’s botanical collection.
Alabama vs. Michigan
Following the parade, the 110th edition of the Rose Bowl game began at 1 p.m. PT. The matchup featured the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines in a semifinal game of the College Football Playoff. Alabama, which has won six national championships in the last 15 years, defeated Michigan, which was seeking its first national title since 1997, by a score of 38-24. Bryce Young, Alabama’s quarterback, passed for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Hassan Haskins, Michigan’s running back, ran for 101 yards and scored two touchdowns.
The Rose Parade 2024 was a dazzling celebration of music, culture, and sports, showcasing the creativity and diversity of the participants and the organizers. The parade was a fitting start to the new year, as it brought joy and inspiration to millions of people around the world.
A la Carte Tours
If you missed the Rose Parade 2024, don’t worry – you can still experience the magic of this iconic event with A la Carte Tours! A la Carte Tours is the leading provider of Rose Parade tours and packages, offering you the best accommodations, transportation, meals, and activities. Whether you want to see the parade from premium grandstand seats, visit the float construction pavilion, tour the Queen Mary, or explore Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the Santa Monica Pier, A la Carte Tours has it all. You can even combine your Rose Parade tour with the Rose Bowl Game or a relaxing cruise after the parade to make your trip even more memorable.
A la Carte Tours has been organizing Rose Parade packages since 1983, and they know how to make your experience unforgettable. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff will take care of everything for you, from airport transfers, local sightseeing to event tickets. You’ll also enjoy the company of other Rose Parade enthusiasts, who share your passion and excitement for this spectacular event.
Take advantage of the chance to participate in the 2025 Rose Parade with A la Carte Tours. Visit their website for details on dates and prices, and reserve your spot now. A la Carte Tours will make your Rose Parade dreams come true!