Pasadena is home to two distinct parades that capture the city’s diverse spirit: the Rose Parade and the Doo Dah Parade. While both events are steeped in tradition and community spirit, they present striking contrasts in style, purpose, and atmosphere.
Pasadena’s Rose Parade (Tournament of Roses)
- History and Tradition: The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses, is a historical event dating back to January 1, 1890. The Rose Parade was started by Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club members to showcase California’s mild climate and warm winter weather, contrasting the snowy winters of the East and Midwest. The Rose Parade featured horse-drawn carriages covered in flowers, foot races, polo matches, and tug-of-war, drawing an initial crowd of 2,000 people. By 1895, the Rose Parade had grown significantly, leading to the formation of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.
- Event Characteristics: Held annually on New Year’s Day (or January 2 if the 1st falls on a Sunday), the Rose Parade is known for its flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. The Rose Parade is a formal event showcasing well-thought-out designs and elaborate themes, reflecting a long-standing tradition of elegance and celebration. The parade is followed by the Rose Bowl, a major college football game, adding to its festive nature.
- Cultural Impact and Sponsorship: The Rose Parade has become a significant cultural event, watched by hundreds of thousands of people. The Rose Parade’s floats are designed to follow a specific theme, adding to its cohesive and polished presentation.
Pasadena’s Doo Dah Parade
- Origins and Purpose: Conceived in 1978 as an irreverent alternative to the traditional Rose Parade, the Doo Dah Parade originated from a group of friends in a Pasadena bar. Its inception coincided with a year when the Rose Parade did not occur due to its custom of not marching on a Sunday. This led to the creation of a fun, alternative parade celebrating life’s quirkier side.
- Unique and Eccentric Style: The Doo Dah Parade is known for its flamboyant nature. It features unique participants like the BBQ & Hibachi Marching Grill Team, the Shopping Cart Drill Team, and other whimsical and absurd groups. The Doo Dah Parade is a celebration of the unconventional and the humorous, starkly contrasting the formality of the Rose Parade.
- Cultural Significance and Evolution: The Doo Dah Parade was initially an offbeat local event. However, the parade gained popularity and inspired similar parades in other cities. The Doo Dah Parade represents a counter-cultural response to the more formal Rose Parade, celebrating individuality and creativity in a lighthearted atmosphere.
- After Parties: There are usually parties after the parade at local pubs and bars.
Pasadena’s Rose Parade Vs Doo Dah Parade
| Aspect | Rose Parade (Tournament of Roses) | Doo Dah Parade |
|---|---|---|
| First Held | January 1, 1890 | 1978 |
| Frequency | Annually on New Year’s Day (or January 2 if the 1st is a Sunday) | Annually, usually in November |
| Origin | Started by Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club to showcase California’s mild winter weather to wealthy Easterners | Started by a group of friends as a fun alternative to the Rose Parade |
| Event Style | Formal, with flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrian units | Farcical, flamboyant, featuring unique and absurd participants |
| Cultural Significance | Traditional, showcasing elegance, a major event with national viewership | Counter-cultural, celebrating individuality and humor |
| After parties | None, too early in the morning | After parties at Old Town Pasadena pubs and bars |
| Sponsorship | Major sponsors like Honda | Grassroots, community-based on local origins |
| Associated Events | Followed by the Rose Bowl football game | Often serves as a fundraising event for various charities |
| Cultural Impact | A significant cultural event watched by hundreds of thousands | Gained popularity and inspired similar parades in other cities |
| Evolution | Grown from local club event to large-scale national parade | Evolved from a local, quirky response to the formal Rose Parade |
Pasadena’s Rose Parade and Doo Dah Parade
Both the Rose Parade and the Doo Dah Parade are important Pasadena events, each reflecting different aspects of the Pasadena’s culture. The Rose Parade represents tradition, formal beauty, and national prestige, while the Doo Dah Parade embodies satire, humor, and community spirit. Together, they offer unique views, highlighting Pasadena’s diverse community.
