Inside The Magic: How WICKED’s Rose Parade Float Brought The Magic Of Oz To Life

When art, storytelling, and nature collide, the result is nothing short of magic—and that’s exactly what the WICKED float at the 136th Rose Parade delivered. Aptly titled “Defying Gravity,” this dazzling creation celebrated friendship, self-discovery, and the enchanting world of Oz in breathtaking floral detail.

So let’s take a closer look at the intricate artistry and symbolism behind the float’s design that left spectators spellbound—and find out how you can bring the magic of WICKED home!

Bringing WICKED’s Rose Parade Float To Life

A Work of Floral Art

The float was brought to life by the talented team at Phoenix Decorating Company and was a towering spectacle standing 24 feet tall, 18 feet wide, and 55 feet long. Every detail was crafted with care!

Fun Fact: The Phoenix Decorating Company used over 76,000 flowers and organic materials to create this immersive depiction of Oz’s magic.

And here’s exactly what they used to build the WICKED Rose Parade Float …

Elphaba’s Bold Presence was created with:

• Black seaweed and fine-ground onion seed created a textured, shadowy effect, for her hat and cape.
• A blend of black seaweed, onion seed, and lettuce seed gave her dress its iconic dark allure.
• A mix of coffee grounds, walnut shells, and sisal rope brought the broom to life.

Glinda’s Sparkling Elegance was created with:

• White everlasting and pink strawflowers added an ethereal sparkle to her crown and wand.
• Delicate pink carnations were arranged on her dress to highlight her charm and grace.

The Emerald City and Beyond

The float’s centerpiece, the Emerald City, was a shimmering beacon of hope and fantasy. Its architectural brilliance was crafted from:

• Green split peas and parsley flakes for the gleaming towers and
• Mung beans and gold flax seed to add depth and texture …

The Yellow Brick Road and Tulip Fields added vibrant color with:

• Yellow strawflowers for the iconic path.
• Sculpted tulips in red, orange, and lavender shades, made from strawflowers and ti leaves.

Symbolism in Every Detail

Now, each design choice on the float wasn’t just for show—it symbolized the heart of WICKED’s story:

• Elphaba’s dark tones captured her strength and struggles, representing the power of embracing individuality.
• Glinda’s pastel palette reflected her *ahem* long journey toward compassion and self-awareness.
• And the Emerald City stood as a beacon of discovery, ambition, and transformation.

Honestly, it seemed like a great float, and I can only imagine how amazing it looked up close in person!

Bring the Magic of WICKED Home

If you’re like moi, and you couldn’t make it to the Rose Parade to see the float in person, don’t worry—WICKED is now available for fans to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes!

• Available exclusively to buy or rent starting December 31st.
• Pre-order now on 4K UHD, Blu-ray™, and DVD, available Feb 4th.

Relive the untold story of the Witches of Oz and experience the powerful performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in this beautifully crafted film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu.

Ready to experience the magic of WICKED from your own home? Stream WICKED today or pre-order your copy on Blu-ray™ and DVD!