For food, flowers and festivities, head out to Echo Park (751 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, Calif.), where the 35th annual lotus festival takes place from July 11-12, 2015. Celebrating various cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands, you’ll be amongst thousands honoring the lotus flower. Among the Asian culture, the lotus represents life, renewal and purity. July is the time when the lotus flower is in full bloom. Angelinos of many races and cultures will descend upon Echo Park to participate in this year’s festivities, which also includes Mongolian dance and music entertainment for the first time ever!
This well-attended festival consists of numerous arts and crafts, and not to mention enticing food stalls from various Asian countries. From Shingari’s School of Rhythm Bollywood Dance School to Ku’uipo ‘O Hula Dance Ensemble (“Sweethearts of Hula”: Hawiian, Tahitian, Maori Dancers) to Mantra (Mongolian Sing-a-longs) to Alex Cole (Rock & Roll Band) to Elson and the Soul Barkada Band (Soul/R&B) to Extreme Line Dance, you’re guaranteed to find a well-rounded line-up of live music, ethnic dance troupes and performers!
The Lotus Festival performer’s list also includes Tenriko Yoki Daiko (Japanese American Taiko Group), SIPA Crew (Hip-Hop & Freestyle), Bangladesh Unity Federation of Los Angeles (Dance/Song), Jamuna Jam (Music), On Time Music (Jazz, Latin, Rock), Just Friends Jazz (Moder, Straight-Ahead Jazz), Mime by Huda (Neo Mime and Movement Performance), BoogieMind (DJ Set) and Shaolin Temple Kung Fu School (Chinese Lion Dance and Martial Arts).
Over the past several years, Echo Park has undergone a series of urban revitalization projects. Now a hipster’s paradise, Echo Park enjoys a thriving nightlife. With web cafés and nearby sandwich shops, many enjoy areas around the lake throughout the year. Adjacent to Chinatown, downtown L.A., Silver Lake and Loz Feliz, this quaint neighborhood is nestled near four major freeways (the 5, 2, 110 and 101).
For more information, 213-413-1622. I highly recommend you check out this festival! It’s definitely family-friendly!
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www.facebook.com/lalotusfestival
www.lalotusfestival.org
