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FESTIVALS
Los Angeles exploits any excuse for a party and hosts a variety of fairs,
tournaments, shows, and festivals throughout the year. In January there's
the annual AUTO SHOW (213/741-1151) at the L.A. Convention Center; a raucous
celebration of Chinese New Year that consists of a street carnival and
the GOLDEN DRAGON PARADE (Chinese Chamber of Com- merce; 213/617-0396);
and JAPANESE NEW YEAR (213/628-2725) in
Little Tokyo, in which part of the revelry includes a seemingly endless
line dance that winds through the area's shops as a good-luck blessing.
The ACADEMY AWARDS (310/247-3000) are televised early in April. During
the weekend before Easter, there's the ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
(213/625-5045) on Olvera Street, downtown. The best place for EASTER SUNRISE
SERVICES (323/850-2000) is the Hollywood Bowl. In
May, there's the LOS ANGELES/CALIFORNIA SCIENCE FAIR (213/744- 7400) at
the California Science Center, where fanciful inventions abound, and the
CINCO DE MAYO (213/625-5045) celebration on Olvera Street, celebrating
Mexico's defeat of the French, is a guaranteed blast, although parking
is problematic. The VENICE ART WALK (310/392-WALK), one of L.A.'s most
enjoyable events, commences at Westminster Elementary
School (1010 Abbott Kinney Boulevard), and you will have the opportunity
to sample the fare of L.A.'s finest chef's while touring the studios of
more than 50 artists. The PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL (213/850-2000) at the
Hollywood Bowl in June offers an excellent lineup of jazz greats and emerging
jazz artists. In August, enjoy NISEI WEEK (213/687-7193)
in Little Tokyo and rejoice in everything Japanese. In October, celebrate
HALLOWEEN in West Hollywood—L.A.'s answer to New Orleans' Mardi
Gras and Halloween in the East Village. In November, the best way to celebrate
DI'A DE LOS MUERTOS (Day of the Dead, November 1) are the parades and
other festivities on Olvera Street; 213/628-7833. November is also the
occasion for the "VIVE LE BEAUJOLAIS" WINE FESTIVAL
(323/651-4741) at the Pacific Design Center. It's hosted by the French
American Chamber of Commerce, chichi, and quite enjoyable. The HOLLYWOOD
CHRISTMAS PARADE (213/469-8311) takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Attending it is a good way to inaugurate the holiday season. In December,
you may want to visit ART EXPO (213/741-1151) at the Los Angeles Convention
Center to enjoy acres—literally—of art in every medium by
prominent, emerging, and unknown U.S. artists. Dress warmly for the CHRISTMAS
BOAT PARADE (310/821-7614) in Marina del Rey, which usually occurs the
two weekends before Christmas. LAS POSADAS (213/623-5045) on Olvera Street
is a nightly Christmas celebration that includes a traditional candlelight
march. One of the most
beloved holiday traditions in the Southland is the annual LOS ANGELES
COUNTY HOLIDAY MUSIC PROGRAM (213/972-7211) Christmas Eve day. It happens
downtown in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (see Music) at the Music Center,
and it's free.
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