Organizers of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced today the cancellation of the 2021 parade amid the coronavirus pandemic. Enjoyed by millions around the world, the Rose Parade is held each January 1 in celebration of the New Year. Since its inception in 1891, the Parade has not occurred only three times – the wartime years of 1942, 1943, and 1945.
In a statement, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association said the decision was made “in accordance with Governor Newsom’s Phase IV re-opening schedule, and after thoughtful consideration of the restrictions and guidelines in place as a result of COVID-19.”
“The health and well-being of our parade participants and guests, as well as that of our volunteer members, professional staff and partners, is our number one priority,” said Bob Miller, 2021 president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. “Obviously this is not what any of us wanted, and we held off on announcing until we were absolutely sure that safety restrictions would prevent us from continuing with planning for 132nd Rose Parade.”
“While we are extremely disappointed that we are unable to host the parade, we believe that not doing so will prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as protect the legacy of the Rose Parade for generations to come,” said Executive Director/CEO David Eads.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association also hosts the Rose Bowl Game each January 1. The planning for this year’s Rose Bowl Game is still ongoing.
“We continue to work with the College Football Playoff and our collegiate partners to explore what this year’s college football season will look like amidst COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines,” said Eads. “While the safety and well-being of the student athletes, university personnel, and fans is our top priority, we remain hopeful that the granddaddy of them all will take place on New Year’s Day.”
Although the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association will not be hosting its 132nd Rose Parade, it will celebrate the New Year on January 1. Working in conjunction with its broadcast partners and sponsors, the Tournament of Roses has plans underway for a new kind of New Year celebration for those around the world.
“Each year, the country turns its eyes to Pasadena for America’s New Year celebration and we plan to deliver on that important promise,” said Eads. “We may not be able to host our traditional five-mile march down Colorado Boulevard, but we are exploring new and safe ways we can collectively share in the celebration, and we look forward to announcing further details about our exciting new plans in the coming weeks.”
