The 119th Tournament of Roses Parade's theme "Passport to World's Celebration's" was widely anticipated by millions of viewers around the world. However, few could be more excited about the parade than Anthony Bettencourt. His 30 year dream of a Portuguese float entry in the Tournament of Roses parade had finally come to fruition, in a big way. The 55-foot long floral work of art majestically featured the coroa (crown) as its centerpiece. Lace, a major product of Portugal, lined the back of the float, while the front of the float displayed a beautiful fountain representing the many fountains found throughout Portugal.

Portuguese nagivator João Rodrigues Cabrilho was portrayed by San Diego's own Donald Valadão; a role he's quite familiar with, having played it 12 times in San Diego's Cabrilho Festival. Vasco de Gama was also on the float along with 5 beautiful Festa Queens from all over California. Flag bearers marched alongside the float, presenting the Portuguese flag on the left side and the American flag on the right.

Forty-fourth of ninty entries in the parade, this float represented the end of two years hard work and planning for Mr. Bettencourt. Working very closely with award-winning float designer, Raul Rodriguez, they came up with a fabulous design to represent the Portuguese-American community.

All Television Coverage is Not Created Equal
Several television networks covered the 119th Tournament of Roses Parade, but coverage of the Portuguese Community float varied widely. Viewers watching the parade on ABC never saw the Portuguese Community float. NBC, the Travel Channel and HGTV did a decent job of covering the float. KTLA's Michaela Perreira along with Bob Eubanks did a nice job of covering the Portuguese Community float. In fact, Michaela, a Portuguese speaker, taught viewers how to say "Happy New Year" and "Thank you very much" in Portuguese.

Watch the Video
KTLA has made videos of the float coverage available online. If you would like to see their coverage of the Portuguese Community Float, click here and then choose "Part 5." The Portuguese-American Community Float appears 8 minutes and 9 seconds into the Part 5 Video (8:09) and lasts about 90 seconds.