PASADENA, California – The 2021 Rose Parade has been canceled due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on planning the New Year’s Day tradition and the risk of spreading infections among its large audience and participants, organizers said on Wednesday.
The Pasadena, California Tournament of Roses Association said the decision was postponed until organizers were certain that security restrictions would prevent the 132nd parade from being organized.
Planning for the Rose Bowl college football game that traditionally follows the parade continues, the association said.
The parade is held every January 1, except when New Years Day falls on a Sunday and the event takes place on January 2.
Since its inception in 1891, the parade has not taken place during the war years of 1942, 1943 and 1945, the association said.
“The health and wellness 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, association president for 2021, in a statement.
The event is people-intensive, starting with hundreds of members of the association.
Thousands of spectators typically interfere with the 8-kilometer (5-mile) parade route through Pasadena, some camping overnight on the sidewalks to ensure a good view.
Days in advance, volunteers work to decorate the flower-laden floats that are the trademark of the parade.
There are also music bands from all over the country and from all over the world and equestrian units that not only participate in the parade but also in other events.
The association said that a feasibility report by public health experts at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine found that even with intense efforts to ensure social distancing and the use of facial covers, the event would be an environment high risk for the spread of the virus.
He noted that many attendees would be in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, and that domestic and international travel could cause two-way transmission of infections.
Preparation for each parade normally begins during the previous February.
“In addition to the advance planning required by our gangs and equestrian units, the construction of our floats takes many months and generally requires thousands of volunteers to gather so that they do not meet safety recommendations and are not safe in the coming months.” said David Eads, chief executive officer and CEO.
The association said it was working with broadcast partners and sponsors on an alternative celebration and promised details in the coming weeks.
The Rose Bowl soccer game on January 1 would be a college football playoff semifinal.
“While the safety and well-being of student athletes, college staff, and fans is our top priority, we are hopeful that Grandpa for all of them will take place on New Year’s Day,” said Eads.
