Occupy The Rose Parade (OTRP) is a 4 phase protest as part of the Occupy movement at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California held on January 2, 2012. The main organizer of OTRP is Peter Thottam, a Los Angeles attorney. Phase 1 of the demonstration was on Sunday, January 1. It is organized by a separate group from the Occupy Pasadena group protesting locally, with no affiliation or endorsement between the two. Rose Parade and Pasadena officials have authorized the Occupy the Rose Parade movement to march at the end of the parade, after all the floats have passed and the phalanx of police cars moves through, but while the crowd is still in place. [1] By the announced plans, protesters are attempting to field 4,000 protesters as a human float in the parade. This plan is not for a disruption in the parade. Organizers are working with the parade organizers and the Pasadena Police.[2][3]
The Rose Parade, in person, has an annual audience of a million people, and a worldwide television audience on multiple networks.[4] On the day of the event, the worldwide television broadcast cut to the announcers in the booth, eliminating any coverage of the protestors.[5] Live streaming presented the event over the internet.[6]
On November 11, 2011, on their website the organizers say "...we will in no way obstruct the path of the Rose Parade. This will be a peaceful and non-violent but spectacular protest of Occupiers everywhere calling for campaign finance reform and broader systemic reforms."
That same day, website Breitbart.tv reported that Occupy Rose Parade intended to disrupt the Rose Parade.[7]