The 134th Rose Parade was one to remember as the parade returned for its second year after taking a break due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year on Jan. 2 instead of New Year’s Day.
The parade brought its usual extravagance, with eye-catching floral floats, harmonious marching bands and musical performances. It also brought some novelties, with celebrity appearances, weird floats and moments that broke from tradition. Social media users had something to say about it.
Related: Here are the judge’s picks for Rose Parade float winners
Here’s our round-up of the top five moments from the parade, according to Twitter:
1. B-1B Lancer Bombers are really, really loud
This year, two B-1B Lancer Bombers replaced the usual fly-over star, the B-2 Stealth Bomber. What they lacked in tradition they made up for in noise.
I know the #RoseParade2023 has started when I hear the bombers flying overhead. 🤣
— Lillahiker (@lillahiker) January 2, 2023
My son said “I mean can’t they wait until most people in Pasadena are awake before doing a flyover? That was really loud.” It is 8am- early, but not absurd early.
— Nora (@noritagris) January 2, 2023
And there goes the bomber to start off the Rose Parade. Cats were not impressed.
— Thor bites billionaires ʕ•̀ᴥ•́ʔ (@thorbites) January 2, 2023
2. Gabby Giffords felt the love
This year’s grand marshal was Gabby Giffords, the former U.S. congresswoman, mass shooting survivor and anti-gun violence advocate. She was met with high praise on Twitter.
So good to see your smiling face!
— Joann Urban (@joann_urban) January 2, 2023
Hanging with #RoseParade Grand Marshall @gabbygiffords 🌹 pic.twitter.com/M8Iy0Nw0ZX
— Jayzen Patria (@JayzenPatria) January 2, 2023
3. Is that… Danny Trejo?
In case you missed it, Danny Trejo showed up to the Rose Parade with Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. Originally scheduled to be in a 1907 Autocar bus, the vehicle broke down, forcing the duo to walk.
shoutout to the most incredible float in the Rose Parade: Just Danny Trejo pic.twitter.com/IfPdTiHEK4
— Bales Brandon (@brandonbales) January 2, 2023
It’s the Danny Trejo parade and only that. https://t.co/PtWevkahb0
— Adam (@WhatAdam) January 2, 2023
4. Snapchat shows face at the Rose Parade
Snapchat joined the Rose Parade for the first time in 2023. We will just leave its float picture here and let the social media reactions speak for themselves.
Apparently, the multimedia smartphone app that enables users to easily share photo and video content was promoting this filter.
Say Snapchat float three times and it will haunt you in your dreams. #RoseParade pic.twitter.com/6RfdbYp3XK
— Dan Alegria (@danalegriajr) January 2, 2023
Rarely is there a float that I do not like, but #Snapchat you get the WTH award this year.#RoseParade2023
— Saellyn (@Saellyn) January 2, 2023
WHAT is that snapchat float in the rose parade pic.twitter.com/omtJaokBYW
— kay 🌻 (@kay_okays) January 2, 2023
5. A bittersweet parade moment
In one of the most emotional moments of the parade, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Enforcement Detail was led by a riderless black horse in honor of the slain Riverside Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who was killed last week during a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley. Here’s more about how to help Cordero’s family.
Such a beautiful tribute and tearjerker to see the Riderless Horse 🙏 😢 👮 🇺🇲@RSO @BiancoSheriff @RoseParade#RoseParade #RoseParade2023 #LEO #BackTheBlue pic.twitter.com/LfgCK9WfVX
— Tanya Spiegel (@tsspiegel) January 2, 2023
The riderless horse in honor of @RSO
Riverside Co. Sheriff Isiah Cordero who was murdered this week. 😔💔#RoseParade@RoseParade pic.twitter.com/qV6csIvdZA— saunie (@saunieindiego) January 2, 2023
