Rose Queen

Rose Queen is a local or regional tradition associated with Whitsun processions or June festivals and fêtes similar to May Queen. Annual civic honorific titles are bestowed by local election or decision of a council to particular individuals, typically local young women.

History

It is a late Victorian invention originating from North West England. In the UK it has taken place in Cheshire, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Northwich, and Llandudno. In 1928 it was moved to Alexandra Rose Day. In the 20th-century it expanded to Nanterre near Paris.
In America, a Rose Queen has been crowned in New York, West Virginia, and Texas Rose Festival.

Today

Popularity of the tradition has decreased over the years. Present day Queen of the Rose Parade is crowned at the annual Rose Parade, Pasadena, California, which remains a major event.
Popular saga author Katie Flynn has written a book titled The Rose Queen with the main characters as subjects of the tradition.