Phoenix Float Embodies Hope at Rose Parade: NPR
In Pasadena, California, the Rose Parade featured a poignant float titled “Rising Together,” embodying hope and resilience following the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires. This 40-foot float, designed to symbolize community recovery, was entirely crafted using natural organic materials, emphasizing the connection to nature. Volunteers, primarily fire survivors, dedicated their efforts to decorate the float with flowers, bark, and seeds, contributing to a powerful visual representation of rebirth.
The Symbolism of the Phoenix
The centerpiece of the float is a phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from ashes. As volunteer Darlene Leyba noted, this symbolizes their collective spirit to overcome adversity and rebuild. Leyba, whose home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, expressed that working on this float has become a way to reconnect with her community as she plans for her future.
Community Impact and Healing
- Event Date: New Year’s Day
- Participating Neighborhood: Altadena
- Representatives: 31 sunflowers symbolize victims of the fires
As the anniversary of the fires nears, community members face emotional challenges. Miguel Santana, CEO of the California Community Foundation, highlighted that many survivors struggle with inadequate government assistance and insurance challenges. He believes the float serves as both a reminder of their ongoing struggles and a healing experience, bringing survivors together in a shared effort.
A Tribute to Victims and Survivors
The construction of the float also grants a moment of remembrance. Each sunflower installed by survivors represents individuals who lost their lives in the fires. This act fosters storytelling and connection among those grieving, creating a collective memory of love and loss.
Personal Stories of Resilience
Myra Berg, another survivor, described how volunteering on the float offered therapeutic benefits. Despite ongoing rebuilding efforts for her Malibu home, she found solace in working alongside fellow survivors. Berg emphasized that this float serves as a vital recognition of the community’s struggles and strength.
The Rose Parade continues to be a cherished tradition, showcasing the beauty of Southern California’s landscape while emphasizing the spirit of resilience. Through the “Rising Together” float, the community sends a powerful message of hope and unity to all who witness it.
