Seasonal & Holidays
Creative Spirit Of The Mississippi Gulf Coast At Pasadena's Rose Parade
This year's Pasadena Rose Parade 2026 includes Visit Mississippi showcasing Kermit The Frog and Southern Coastal artist Walter Anderson.
The 137th Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition held annually in the Southern California city of Pasadena. The theme for 2026 is “The Magic in Teamwork” celebrating collaboration and collective efforts in communities and organizations.
This year's Grand Marshal is Magic Johnson, who will lead the procession and take part in other Tournament of Roses festivities.
One of the most spectacular floral floats traveling down Colorado Boulevard this year showcases Coastal Mississippi. According to team members of Visit Mississippi, "the float was built to enlighten global viewers about Mississippi’s rich creative identity."
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The visual centerpiece is a towering Kermit the Frog, honoring Mississippi-born Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets.
Viewers will appreciate the state’s artistic contributions, creative spirit, award-winning music, natural beauty, historic culture, and visual arts.
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Named "Mississippi: Where Creativity Blooms," this colorful float celebrates the creative spirit and artistic heritage of Mississippi. Highlights of the state’s contributions include literature. There is a stack of books decorated in flowers, seeds and other organic materials. It's a tribute to iconic writers William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Jesmyn Ward, Tennessee Williams, Willie Morris, and Richard Wright — symbolizing the state’s literary impact.
Gulf Coast artist Walter Anderson's artwork wraps around sections of the float. He is known for his artistic landscapes of Mississippi. Anderson (1903-1965) was a naturalist, painter, illustrator, and writer. His nature driven art was inspired by the beauty of the barrier islands, wildlife and Mississippi's coastal ecosystems. "He loved Horn Island and would live alone for months at a time to capture the beauty of the island," said Mattie Codling, Director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art.
The Rose Parade begins at 8 a.m., on January 1, 2026. It's televised on many channels New Year's morning. After the parade, walk among the floats to see them up close during Floatfest in Pasadena (Jan 1–3, 2026). Tickets can be purchased here.
