Rose Parade to Feature Fire-Breathing Dragon

A fire-breathing Chinese dragon float will be part of the 127th Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, sponsored by the Singpoli Group, a real estate investment and construction company based in Arcadia.

On Friday morning, award-winning Tournament of Roses float designer Charles Meier unveiled the skeleton and inner workings fire-breathing Chinese dragon, Marco Polo: East meets West, with several local officials and Singpoli Group Chief Executive Officer Kin Hui, says a report on the Pasadena Independent.

“Singpoli is about bringing cultures together,” Hui said. “Our float uses spectacular symbols including an enormous dragon that highlights the similarities between western and Chinese cultures.”

Meier’s design will breathe real fire throughout the five-and-a-half-mile parade. Smoke will also emanate from the flaming purple heart in the dragon’s claw.

Pasadena Independent reports that fire marshals have carefully reviewed and tested the special effects on the float for months.

The float will be made up of 85 percent fresh floral products. Singpoli says it will use more citrus than any other float.

The float is inspired by Marco Polo’s travels from Venice to China. A costumed rider will portray Marco Polo riding on the moon bridge at the front of the float. The Venetian flag, featuring St. Mark’s winged lion, waves overhead.

In Chinese mythology, a fire-breathing dragon symbolizes the beauty and mystery of the east. The styling of the dragon intentionally blends Chinese elements with the look of European fairy tale dragons. Singpoli says this fusion of cultures embodies the company’s core values – building bridges between east and west.

The design will also show stylized clouds inspired by Chinese embroidery floating over a lush garden of flowering trees.