Explore Louisiana’s History & Involvement in the Rose Parade
Explore Louisiana showcases our state’s vibrant culture during the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.
What is the Rose Parade?
The Rose Parade, known as America’s New Year Celebration, rings in the coming year with floats, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands and more, traveling 5.5 miles along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California. The first Tournament of Roses occurred in 1890, in which entrants decorated carriages with hundreds of colorful flowers. Today, horse-drawn carriages and other equestrian units still participate in the parade, but the floats have become technological marvels.
Finishing touches on the 2024 float.
Adding sparkle to the 2023 float.
Decorating a component of the 2023 float.
Trimming roses for the 2025 float.
Though the floats are professionally designed, they are decorated by volunteers days before the parade. Every float is covered in flowers, leaves, seeds, bark and other natural materials to honor the Rose Parade’s history. Underneath, the float’s mechanical controls — and its driver — are hidden.
The Tournament of Roses grants float awards based on many criteria, including float design, floral presentation and entertainment value. The awards are announced prior to the parade, and the winning floats are preceded by banners presenting their awards.
History of Explore Louisiana’s Participation
It's no secret that parades are a staple in Louisiana. For the past four years, Explore Louisiana has proudly brought our state’s signature flair to the Tournament of Roses Parade. Our participation allows us to drive awareness about our state as a vacation destination to a broad number of attendees, as well as viewers watching from home.
We’ve been pleased to receive an award each year we have participated. For the 2022 parade, Explore Louisiana took home the Wrigley Legacy award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment. We received the Showmanship award in the 2023 and 2024 parades for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment. In the 2025 parade, we were honored with the Director award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials.
Explore Louisiana’s 2024 float, celebrating the Year of Music.
“Louisiana Saturday Night,” Explore Louisiana’s 2025 float.
Explore Louisiana’s 2023 float, dubbed “Celebration Riverboat.”
Louisiana’s 2025 float proudly featured an alligator adorned with beads, carrying a Cajun dance hall, performers and pots of boiled seafood, symbolizing the food, music and joy that define a “Louisiana Saturday Night.” Rising country star — and LSU student — Timothy Wayne performed “Louisiana Saturday Night” mid-parade.
Previous Explore Louisiana parade entertainment has included country singer Lainey Wilson, zydeco accordionist Sean Ardoin, Cajun fiddler Amanda Shaw, American Idol winner Laine Hardy and the Hot 8 Brass Band.
Float Volunteer Information
Want to get involved and see the floats before they make their debut in the Rose Parade? In 2025, volunteers from around the country contributed more than 80,000 hours to building and decorating floats throughout the year. Explore Louisiana is happy to welcome all who are interested to join the fun and help!
Learn about how volunteers and local businesses bring Louisiana's rich heritage and joie de vivre to California during the Rose Parade.