phoenix Rises in Pasadena: Wildfire Survivors Find Healing in Rose Parade Float
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Millions tuning in to the annual Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day will witness a powerful symbol of resilience and recovery: a 40-foot float adorned entirely with natural materials, built by the hands of those who lost everything in the devastating 2024 Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County.
The Rose Parade, a long-standing New year’s Day tradition, is known for its elaborate floats showcasing Southern California’s floral beauty. But this year’s entry, titled “Rising Together,” carries a deeper message, one of hope, healing, and the unwavering spirit of a community determined to rebuild.
“Phoenix, rising,” she described, looking up at the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth. “And that’s how we all feel, that we’re going to rise above this and rebuild and bring back our communities.” Leyba’s own home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, which swept through neighborhoods just days after the 2024 New Year’s Day celebration. She recalled telling her children they would return the next day,a promise that went tragically unfulfilled.
The float,sponsored by the California Community Foundation,is constructed entirely by fire survivors,adhering to the Rose Parade’s strict rule that every inch of the display must be decorated with natural,organic materials like bark,flowers,and seeds. For Leyba and others, the project has become a lifeline, a way to reconnect with community and find purpose amidst ongoing grief.
“I’m going, my God, I’m representing Altadena, all these people who have lost their homes and live in the community,” Leyba marveled.”So, it’s an honor.”
A Reminder of Loss and the struggle for Relief
The creation of the float comes as many survivors grapple with the emotional and logistical challenges of rebuilding, notably as the anniversary of the fires approaches. According to Miguel Santana, CEO of the California Community Foundation, many are experiencing a “real mental breakdown” as they navigate a complex insurance system and a perceived lack of adequate federal assistance.
“Folks are realy struggling to navigate an insurance system that is failing them,” Santana explained. “For many people, the fact that the federal government hasn’t provided the relief that it has for other natural disasters around the country, they’re struggling.”
The float serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the wildfires, which tragically claimed 31 lives. Thirty-one sunflowers are incorporated into the design, each representing a person lost in the Eaton and Palisades Fires. The honor of installing these sunflowers was reserved for surviving friends and family, who shared stories of their loved ones during the construction process.
Finding Hope and Healing Through Collective effort
The “Rising Together” float is more than just a lovely display; it’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of hope. Santana shared that one survivor attended the float-building event for the first time as losing his sister in the fires, finding solace in the shared experience.
“We’re hoping that,even for just one day,when they see that float going down a street that they’re all familiar with,that they know that the world does care about them,that they’re not alone in their journey of grief,” Santana said.
Myra Berg, a survivor of the Palisades Fire, echoed this sentiment. Initially hesitant to re-engage with others, she found strength in working alongside fellow survivors. “At first, it was very taxing to be around people,” Berg admitted. “But when I look around me and see other people who have lost their homes or who have smoke damage, I wont to help.” She joked that the rapid progress on the float was a welcome contrast to the slow pace of rebuilding her own Malibu home,which she hopes to complete by this time next year.
“I think it’s good for the world to know that there is something that honors the survivors and the victims,” Berg concluded. “People forget that these things happen.It’s a nice way to reach out and say, ‘Yes, we’re ok. thank you.'”
