UPDATE: Fire survivors from the Eaton and Palisades fires took center stage during the 137th Rose Parade on January 1, 2026, as they experienced a day filled with unexpected rain and overwhelming community support. Joy Chen, executive director of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network, expressed that the torrential downpour was a mere backdrop to their triumphant moment, stating, “After all we’ve been through this year, a torrential rainstorm felt like nothing.”
The float, titled “Rising Together,” created by the California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund, won the Fantasy Award for its imaginative design featuring a phoenix and roses inscribed with the names of fire victims. This powerful symbol resonated deeply with the crowd, as survivors like Andrew King noted the incredible camaraderie and connection felt during the parade.
“As soon as they saw our float, and us survivors, they jumped to their feet,” Chen recounted. The emotional atmosphere drove many spectators to tears, reflecting the resilience and strength of the community. “It was a reminder that we are still here,” she added.
The community’s support was palpable amidst the rain. Fellow survivor Gina Clayton-Johnson, who lost two homes in the Eaton fire, emphasized the significance of creating new memories, stating, “This parade has been the backdrop of my childhood and now a tradition I get to share with my children.”
Among the riders was Carlos Marroquin from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, who highlighted the connection forged despite the weather. “When it started raining hard, we were already going down the slope, and at that moment, the crowd was there,” he said. “It was like we were supporting each other.”
Historic labor leader Dolores Huerta, aged 95, also rode in the parade. Marroquin recalled her determination, saying,
“She pretty much said, ‘I didn’t drive here from Victorville just to go back. I’m here to support your efforts.’”
Huerta’s unwavering spirit inspired many, as she waved to the crowd, refusing to let the rain dampen her enthusiasm.
The parade also featured other notable floats, including OneLegacy Donate Life’s “Treasure Every Moment Together,” which celebrated organ donation and featured heart transplant recipient Elsa Garcia-Chau. She described her experience as a beautiful connection with the audience, remarking,
“I was looking up into the stands, into apartments, and my thing was to blow them a kiss.”
The rain, rather than detracting from the festivities, became an integral part of the day’s narrative. “It made it more memorable,” Garcia-Chau said, highlighting the profound sense of community that persisted despite the weather.
The emotional moments extended to the Rose Court participants, with Princess Keiko Rakin acknowledging the community’s dedication:
“Seeing how many people still showed up despite the rain, it really showed how much the parade and the Pasadena community mean to people.”
As the parade concluded, the sense of unity lingered. Lonnie Melendrez, a high school junior, reflected on his experience on The UPS Store float, which showcased the importance of community and connection. “I could look back and remember riding on a float as a kid and eventually share that special experience with my future children,” he said.
This year’s Rose Parade was not just a celebration of creativity and tradition; it served as a reminder of resilience, connection, and the power of community in the face of adversity. The emotional highs and heartfelt connections made during this rainy event are sure to resonate long into the new year.
As we move forward, the stories of hope and perseverance from this year’s float riders will continue to inspire, showcasing the strength and unity of those who have faced challenges and emerged stronger together.
