At a Glance
- Pasadena’s 137th Rose Parade may see rain for the first time in 20 years.
- Organizers say visitors will still turn out despite weather concerns.
- The event’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork”, underscores resilience.
- Why it matters: The parade draws 800,000 visitors and supports local businesses heavily.
Pasadena’s iconic Rose Parade, a New Year tradition spanning more than a century, faces rain for the first time in 20 years. Organizers and local businesses say the weather won’t deter the expected crowd of about 800,000 visitors.
Rain Forecast and Historical Context
This year’s 137th parade is expected to encounter rain, a scenario last seen in 2006. Despite the forecast, the event’s organizers remain confident that attendance will stay strong.
Lisa Derderian stated:
> “The last time it rained was 2006 during the parade. It was coming down pretty good, I was there myself but these diehard fans are there, they want to see the parade, they’re there often it’s a tradition.”
Derderian notes that rain has occurred only ten times in the parade’s 137-year history, emphasizing that perseverance is a core part of the tradition.
Business Impact and Community Response
Local retailers and restaurants report a 70% revenue decline compared to 2025, yet they count on the parade to bring in business for the surrounding week.
- 70% revenue drop this year vs 2025
- Parade draws ~800,000 visitors annually
- Theme: “The Magic in Teamwork”
Armen Shirvanian said:
> “The fires really hurt, and then obviously all of June was the ICE raids I came in one Sunday morning and my whole kitchen was gone and I had to call them back one by one and promise them that I would be with them and all of it would be all right and then the tariffs came and meat prices went up.”
Shirvanian highlighted that the parade route boosts business for the week surrounding New Year’s Day.
Jack Huang expressed:
> “We’re so excited about the out of town teams, especially the football tradition team, they travel well, and come out and be spending money. Alabama and Indiana fans will help us. I think people will still come out and we have a big space to shelter people if they get too cold and wet and hungry and thirsty.”
Huang notes that the parade provides shelter for visitors who may face cold and wet conditions.
Visitor Guidance
Umbrellas are prohibited along the route and in the stands to prevent viewing obstructions and safety hazards in windy conditions. Attendees can begin setting up and camping along the route at noon on New Year’s Eve.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parade Year | 137th |
| Theme | “The Magic in Teamwork” |
| Rain in History | 10 times in 137 years |
| Last Rain | 2006 |
The parade’s organizers emphasize that the tradition of perseverance will carry the event through any weather.
Key Takeaways
- Rain expected for the first time in 20 years, but attendance remains projected.
- Local businesses face significant revenue drops yet rely on the parade’s draw.
- The event’s theme of teamwork reinforces resilience amid challenges.
Despite the forecast, Pasadena’s Rose Parade stands ready to celebrate unity and teamwork with its usual crowd of 800,000 visitors.
