Queen of the Tournament of Roses, more commonly known as "Rose Queen", is a young woman selected for the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses in California, United States. Six Rose Princesses are also selected to make up the Rose Court. The Rose Court rides on a float in the Rose Parade, and become ambassadors.
Qualifications and selection process
Each September, approximately 1,000 young women between the ages of 17 and 21 interview to serve as a member of the Tournament of Roses Rose Court.[1] To be eligible, applicants must be a female resident of the Pasadena City College district, which include Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, South Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Temple City, the northern portion of Rosemead and the western portion of El Monte. Starting with the 2025 Rose Parade, the cities of Alhambra and San Gabriel and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Monterey Hills and El Sereno will be included as part of the geographic expansion plan. Be currently enrolled as a 12th grade senior in high school or as a full-time college student (minimum 12 units) in any accredited high school or college in the Pasadena City College district, Alhambra Unified School District, San Gabriel Unified School District or Los Angeles Unified School District, possess at least a 2.0 grade point average in the current year's and previous year's course work, and be at least 17 years of age by December 31 of the current year and not more than 21 years of age before January 5 of the next year. Each applicant also must never have been married or have had a marriage annulled, have no children, and must agree not to marry prior to January 5 of the next year.[1]
Background
The Rose Court rides on a float in the Rose Parade, and become ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, mainly during its duration and prelude. The Rose Court members attend over one hundred events in the Southern California area and preside over the Rose Bowl Game.[1] Rose Court members receive scholarship money, wardrobe, and other benefits. The crown, provided and created by Mikimoto, is valued at $400,000.[clarification needed] It is adorned with 600 cultured pearls and 6 carats (1,200 mg) of diamonds.
Naomi Stillitano became the 105th Rose Queen on October 27, 2023, during a ceremony held at Tournament House. She is from Arcadia High School and the first Italian Rose Queen since 1974.[citation needed]
