The Rose Parade is a spectacular event that showcases the beauty and diversity of flowers, floats, bands, and equestrians. It is a tradition that dates back to 1890, when a group of Pasadena residents decided to celebrate their new home’s mild winter weather and abundant flora.
But have you ever wondered why the Rose Parade is not on Sunday, even when January 1 falls on that day? This is a curious fact that has a historical explanation. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of this rule, and how it has affected the Rose Parade over the years. We will also look at some of the exceptions and challenges that the rule has faced, and how the organizers have adapted to them.
If you are a fan of the Rose Parade, or just curious about its history, you will find this article interesting and informative. So, let’s get started!
The Origin and Meaning of the “Never on Sunday” Rule
The “Never on Sunday” rule is one of the oldest and most distinctive traditions of the Rose Parade.Established in 1893, the rule aimed to avoid disturbing the horses hitched outside the churches along the parade route during the first year that the parade fell on a Sunday. In those days, horses were the main mode of transportation, and the parade organizers feared that the noise and commotion of the parade would spook the animals and cause chaos
The rule also reflected the respect and reverence that the parade founders had for the Sabbath day. They wanted to honor the religious observance of the community and not interfere with the worship services. The rule was also consistent with the original purpose of the parade, which was to celebrate the mild winter weather and the abundance of flowers in Pasadena, as opposed to the harsh and snowy conditions in other parts of the country. The parade was meant to be a joyful and peaceful event, not a disruptive and noisy one.
The rule has been followed ever since, even though the circumstances have changed over the years. Horses are no longer the primary means of transportation, and the parade has grown in size and popularity, attracting millions of viewers from around the world. The rule has become a part of the parade’s identity and heritage, and a source of pride and uniqueness for the organizers and the participants. The rule also adds an element of anticipation and excitement for the parade fans, who have to wait an extra day to see the spectacular display of flowers, floats, bands, and equestrians.
Some Exceptions and Challenges to the “Never on Sunday” Rule
The Rose Parade organizers and participants have mostly respected the “Never on Sunday” rule, but there have been some exceptions and challenges to it over the years. Here are some examples:
- In 1893, when the rule was first applied, the parade committee held the parade on Monday, January 2, while a separate committee, not officially part of the Tournament of Roses, organized and played the football game on Sunday, January 1. Michigan crushed Stanford 49-0, prompting the Stanford team to quit at halftime. Chariot races replaced the game until 1916 when it was revived as the Rose Bowl.
- The Spanish flu pandemic, which claimed millions of lives worldwide, led to the cancellation of the 1919 parade. Additionally, World War II prompted the cancellation of the parade in 1942, 1943, and 1945. During those years, local residents actively donated flowers for a War Flowers Ceremony, replacing the parade, and the flowers were sent to hospitalized veterans.
- In 1954, the parade faced a legal challenge from a group of Pasadena merchants, who sued the city for enforcing the Sunday closing law. They argued that the law violated their constitutional rights and harmed their businesses. The case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which upheld the law in a 5-4 decision. The court ruled that the law was a reasonable exercise of the city’s police power, and that it did not interfere with the merchants’ freedom of religion.
- In 1971, the parade was disrupted by a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters, who staged a sit-in on the parade route. The protesters blocked the path of the floats and the bands, and chanted slogans against the war and President Nixon. The police intervened and arrested about 150 protesters, but not before the parade was delayed for about 25 minutes. The incident sparked a debate about the role of the parade in reflecting the social and political issues of the time.
- In 1989, the parade was threatened by a severe storm, which brought heavy rain and wind to the area. The parade organizers decided to go ahead with the parade, despite the weather conditions. However, some of the floats and the bands had to withdraw from the parade, and some of the spectators stayed home or left early. The parade was dubbed the “Mud Bowl” by the media, and was considered one of the worst in the parade’s history.
Why Choose A la Carte Tours for Your Rose Parade Experience?
For the best Rose Parade experience, book with A la Carte Tours, the leading operator since 1983. With their expertise, they ensure an unforgettable vacation.Here are some of the reasons why you should choose A la Carte Tours for your rose parade experience:
- You get the best seats to watch the parade from a prime location, with the sun at your back and the bus parked nearby. You can also enjoy a continental breakfast and a souvenir program before the parade starts.
- Visit float barns to witness float decoration with thousands of flowers. Take pictures with designers, learn about float history and meaning.
- You get to attend other events related to the parade, such as the Bandfest, the Equestfest, the Float Fest, and the Showcase of Floats. You can watch the bands and the equestrians perform, and admire the floats up close after the parade.
- You get to explore the sights and sounds of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and other nearby cities. You can visit famous landmarks, museums, studios, and parks. You can also enjoy a dinner cruise on the Marina del Rey, and a farewell dinner at the historic Tam O’Shanter Inn.
- You get to stay in comfortable hotels with breakfast and other meals included. You can choose from different rose parade packages that suit your budget and preferences. You can also opt for the Rose Bowl parade tours, which include tickets to the Rose Bowl game, one of the most prestigious college football games in the country.
- You get to travel with a professional tour guide who will provide you with information and assistance throughout the trip. You also get to meet and mingle with other parade enthusiasts from around the country and the world.
- You get to experience a timeless tradition and have a memorable vacation. The Rose Parade is a spectacular event that showcases the beauty and diversity of flowers, floats, bands, and equestrians. It is a celebration of life, culture, and community.
A la Carte Tours is the best choice for your Rose Parade experience. You can reserve your tour online or by phone, but hurry, because they sell out fast. To find out more about the different rose parade tours and packages, you can visit their website here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the “Never on Sunday” rule established for the Rose Parade?
In 1893, the parade committee established the rule, marking the first year the parade fell on a Sunday.
What was the reason behind the “Never on Sunday” rule?
To avoid disturbing the horses hitched outside the churches along the parade route was the reason. The rule also reflected the respect and reverence that the parade founders had for the Sabbath day.
How has the “Never on Sunday” rule affected the Rose Parade over the years?
The rule, integral to the parade’s identity and heritage, brings pride and uniqueness to organizers and participants. It also heightens anticipation and excitement for fans, who eagerly await an extra day for the spectacular display of flowers, floats, bands, and equestrians.
Some exceptions and challenges in the history of the Rose Parade include a football game played on Sunday in 1893. Additionally, the parade faced cancellations due to the Spanish flu pandemic in 1919 and during World War II in 1942, 1943, and 1945. There was also a notable legal challenge from a group of Pasadena merchants in 1954.
Furthermore, the parade encountered disruptions when a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters intervened in 1971. Another significant challenge arose in 1989 when the parade was threatened by a severe storm. These instances showcase the parade’s resilience in the face of diverse obstacles over the years.
How can I book a tour to attend the Rose Parade in person?
You can book a tour online or by phone with one of the many tour operators that offer rose parade tours. You can choose from different rose parade packages that suit your budget and preferences. You can also opt for the Rose Bowl parade tours, which include tickets to the Rose Bowl game.