Key Takeaways:
- The 2025 Rose Parade featured a float dedicated to the survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles, which occurred nearly a year ago.
- The float, called "Rising Together," was decorated entirely by fire survivors and featured a 40-foot-long phoenix made of natural, organic materials.
- The float was sponsored by the California Community Foundation, a charity organization that funds wildfire recovery, and aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing need for assistance and provide a healing experience for survivors.
- The float included 31 sunflowers, each representing one of the people who died in the fires, and was decorated by surviving friends and family members.
- The project brought together survivors and provided a sense of community and healing, allowing them to work together to create something beautiful and meaningful.
Introduction to the Rose Parade Float
The 2025 Rose Parade featured a unique and meaningful float, dedicated to the survivors of the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires that occurred in Los Angeles nearly a year ago. The float, called "Rising Together," was a 40-foot-long masterpiece that symbolized the community’s recovery and resilience in the face of tragedy. As per Rose Parade rules, every inch of the float was decorated with only natural, organic materials, including flowers, seeds, and bark. Volunteer Darlene Leyba, a 76-year-old survivor of the Eaton Fire, was one of the many individuals who worked tirelessly to bring the float to life.
The Story Behind the Float
Leyba’s home was destroyed in the fire, and she was forced to flee with her family, never to return. However, through her work on the float, she has found a sense of community and purpose. The float’s design, which features a majestic phoenix rising from the ashes, resonated deeply with Leyba and the other survivors who worked on the project. The phoenix represents the community’s determination to rise above the tragedy and rebuild their lives. As Leyba attached flowers to the float’s wire mesh, she felt a sense of pride and honor in representing her community and the many people who have lost their homes.
The Impact on Survivors
The float was sponsored by the California Community Foundation, a charity organization that funds wildfire recovery. According to Miguel Santana, the CEO of the foundation, many survivors are still struggling to come to terms with their loss and are facing significant challenges in navigating the insurance system and accessing federal relief. The float provided a much-needed opportunity for survivors to come together and create something beautiful, while also raising awareness about the ongoing need for assistance. Santana hoped that the float would be a healing experience for survivors, allowing them to mark the anniversary of the fires in a meaningful way.
A Symbol of Hope and Resilience
The float included 31 sunflowers, each representing one of the people who died in the fires. The honor of installing the sunflowers was reserved for surviving friends and family members, who shared stories of their loved ones as they worked. The sunflowers served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing impact of the fires on the community. For survivors like Myra Berg, who lost her home in the Palisades Fire, working on the float provided a sense of purpose and healing. Berg enjoyed the physical labor involved in decorating the float and appreciated the opportunity to connect with others who had experienced similar losses.
A Message of Hope and Gratitude
As the float made its way through the streets of Pasadena, it carried a powerful message of hope and resilience. For the survivors who worked on the project, it was a chance to show the world that they are not alone and that they are grateful for the support and care of their community. The float served as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always hope for a brighter future. As Berg said, "I think it’s good for the world to know that there is something that honors the survivors and the victims. People forget that these things happen. It’s a nice way to reach out and say, ‘Yes, we’re ok. Thank you.’" The "Rising Together" float was a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and a powerful reminder of the importance of community and support in the face of adversity.