Pasadena’s 134th Rose Parade: Participating Floats, Bands, Where To Watch And Start Time

A New Year’s Day tradition – the Rose Parade – has moved to Jan. 2 this year. For the unversed, the parade is held annually in Southern California’s Pasadena. 2023 marks the 134^th year of the event, which is witnessed in person by 700,000 people annually and attracts another 30 million viewers through a telecast.

As is tradition every year, Tuesday’s parade will feature four types of entries – floral-decorated floats, equestrian units, bands, and tournament entries. The parade has a unique theme each year and the floats are designed in a way to keep up with the same. With just a few hours remaining for the spectacular storytelling that millions are eager to witness, here’s what to know about the event.

Where is Rose Parade 2023 held?

The 134^th Rose Parade will roll down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard for 5.5 miles.

What is the theme of the Rose Parade this year?

The Rose Parade 2023 theme is ‘Turning the Corner.’ It symbolizes the new world, emerging after the Covid-19 pandemic. The tournament’s president Amy Wainscott announced the same, saying, “The 2023 theme celebrates turning a corner. Whether that corner is actual or figurative like the unlimited potential that each new year brings—we all enjoy the opportunity of a fresh start,” explained Wainscott. “Turning a corner means rising above – alone, or with family, friends and community. This year, as we turn the corner together, we share in the hope, beauty and joy of what 2023 will bring.”

How many are floats participating in 2023?

This year’s Rose Parade will feature 39 floats, 21 marching bands and 16 equestrian units. Among this year’s participants is the Donate Life float, which will promote organ, eye and tissue donation.

The float’s design features an Asian street dragon that will be adorned with memorial floral portraits honoring donors. 18 donors will be seated at various points on the float, and eight donors will support the dragon with bamboo poles.

Pasadena’s City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band, which has participated in the event every year since 1930 and the Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band which celebrated its 100^th march at the event in 2019 will be seen at the Rose Parade 2023 alongside other marching bands.

Here’s the full lineup of floats, marching bands, and equestrian units in order.

Where to Watch Rose Parade 2023 for free?

NBC and ABC Network stations will run a live telecast of the event. Similarly, NBCs’ subscription-based live-streaming service Peacock will telecast the Rose Parade 2023.

Where to Watch Rose Parade 2023 without cable?

Cord-cutters who wish to watch the event can do so by tuning into NBC through a live TV service like Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and DirecTV Stream.

A VPN subscription will come in handy for viewers from the United Kingdom, Canada or anywhere else in the world who want to watch the Rose Parade.

Special Performances

Multiple-platinum American indie pop and neo-soul band from Los Angeles, Fitz and the Tantrums, will open the Rose Parade 2023 with a thumping performance.

Country legend Tanya Tucker will close the event with a performance and will feature her new single ‘Ready As I’ll Never Be.’