Jul 15, 2020 - Health

Rose Parade canceled for first time since World War II due to coronavirus

People in the stands watching a marching band perform at the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena

The Rose Parade, January 2020. Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images

The 2021 Rose Parade on New Year's Day has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announced Wednesday.

Why it matters: The last time the Rose Parade was canceled was in 1945 because of World War II. The announcement, almost a half a year in advance, also comes as California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the state to roll back its reopening amid a surge of cases.

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