2021 Rose Parade Is Canceled for the First Time Since World War 2
On July 15, it was announced that the 132nd Rose Parade will not take place on January 1, 2021, due to COVID-19 concerns and health guidelines.
The Rose Parade is one of the most significant events, which annually takes place in California. It occurs in Pasadena and symbolizes the start of the Rose Bowl Game. The parade is usually held along Colorado Boulevard, where thousands of people fill the 5-mile route. Many people camp out at night to reserve spots to observe the spectacle. The event takes many months to plan, and hundreds of volunteers arrange the flower-laden floats multiple days in advance.
The Rose Parade was established in 1891, and it has only been canceled from 1942-1945 because of World War II. Many fans of the celebration were utterly disappointed, expressing their discontent with the Rose Parade’s decision to cancel its 2021 festivity, and considered it a rushed decision. Due to the alarming rising rates of COVID-19 transmission, others agreed with the Rose Parade’s plan to wait until 2022. Take a look down below to see some of the people’s reactions.
Thank you for making a sound, science-based decision as it is unlikely we’ll have a good vaccine by then. This decision saves many people from becoming deathly ill and/or death. There is always 2022! ❤️
— 👩🏻🔬Denise W.🧬 (@ScienceMouse) July 15, 2020
While we are disappointed to see the Rose Parade’s postponement, it is in the public’s best interest because the celebration may potentially serve as a breeding ground for the virus. In its Instagram post, the Rose Parade has also said that it is exploring alternative safe methods to share the celebration collectively. It plans to announce further details in the next couple of weeks.
It’s a shame we can’t just have the parade without the crowds. The teams have worked so hard. And the bands may never get another chance.
— Veronica Vatter (@veronicavatter) July 15, 2020
Despite the Rose Parade not happening in 2021, we cannot wait for 2022 and know that it will be even more special.
I am an incoming junior at the UCLA College of Letters and Science. Through my love and appreciation for literature, social justice, feminism, public speaking, and writing, I am planning on pursuing a career in immigration and public interest law. I want to help those who are either the victims of the system or discrimination because I wholeheartedly believe that the purpose of my life is to help others and take cases that nobody else is willing to take.
