The 135th Rose Parade kicked off Monday as the world ushers in the start of 2024.
With its petal-packed floats, marching bands and high-stepping horses, the parade travels 5½ miles along the streets of Pasadena.
The theme this year is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language,” a message of hope and harmony in a time of war, labor strikes, and partisan political strife as a contentious American election year begins.
“In a world of different cultures, beliefs, hopes, and dreams, one language unites us all — music,” Alex Aghajanian, president of the Tournament of Roses, said in a statement. “The sound, texture, rhythm, form, harmony, and expression meld together to move, soothe, excite and delight the world.”
The LAUSD All-City Honor Band
The City of Alhambra float won the Fantasy Award for most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination.
U.S. Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and Camp Pendleton.
Rose Parade Grand Marshall and Singer Audra McDonald, left, smiles for the crowd.
Zoe Dotts-Brown, a senior Michigan Twirler, puts on lipstick to prepare for the 135th annual Rose Parade.
The University of Alabama Crimsonettes receive Mylar blankets to stay warm before the parade.
North Carolina A&T University dancers perform.
The San Diego Zoo’s “It All Started with a Roar” float, which won the Sweepstakes award.
Jackie Ventura and Monserrat Zavala hold Emilo Grimaldo as they wait for the parade on Colorado Boulevard.
Cal Poly Universities’ “Shock N’ Roll: Powering the Musical Current” float.
Rose Queen Naomi Stillitano, a senior at Arcadia High School, and members of the 2024 Royal Court wave from their float.
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