Published on January 6, 2014
Indonesia’s float with its giant Komodo dragon made up of flowers and seeds, with its satellite float depicting the underwater world of Derawan island, instantly attracted the attention of the crowds lining the streets of Pasadena, California, USA, who came to watch the 125th Tournament of Roses on Wednesday, 1 January 2014.
The Indonesia float, presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy must have also appealed to the judges who awarded it the 2014 Director’s Trophy for “Artistic Merit in Design and Floral Presentation”. In the past two consecutive years in 2012 and 2013, Indonesia had won the President’s Trophy. The Rose Parade this year carried the theme: “Dreams Come True”.
Since 08.0 in the morning, the 90 participating floats, among which the “Wonderful Indonesia” float, paraded through the streets of Pasadena. Along the 5.5 miles Colorado Boulevard, the Wonderful Indonesia float, which was accompanied by 10 dancers from East Kalimantan, was cheered along by the enthusiastic onlookers. The Komodo dragon with its young peeping out of its egg was immediately recognized. Equally admired were the Bali temple, the orang utan, sea turtles and panorama of Derawan island, that were all created from colorful flowers, vegetables, and all kinds of lentils.
The float was created by John Ramirez of Artistic Entertainment Services.
Thousands also watched the parade live on television.
