Popular summer festival returns in person for 42nd year.
Photos by JuanCarlos Chan, Rec and Parks
The Lotus Festival in its second year after a pandemic hiatus, returns and will honor and showcase the people and culture of Indonesia. The Lotus Festival originated in 1972 and is one of the City’s largest festivals and a celebration to promote awareness and understanding of the contributions by the Asian and Pacific Islander people to our culture and to the local and surrounding communities.
The festival is a major yearly Rec and Parks event, and many other City departments take part.
The 42nd Lotus Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 15-16 at Echo Park Lake.
The annual festival coincides with the traditional blooming of the lotus flower, which symbolizes rebirth. A variety of entertainment, Asian food and drinks, booths, artwork, handmade crafts, an eco-friendly area, a children’s courtyard, and other activities. The event will also bring back the widely popular Dragon Boat Races with teams of people paddling across Echo Park Lake.
Admission to the festival is free, but there are fees for food, craft items, clothing and other merchandise. The opening ceremony commences at noon July 15 and will feature entertainment, including performers complete with their vibrant colors, beauty, and pageantry. Limited shuttle services and sign language interpreters are also provided at no charge.
Normally the festival attracts an estimated 100,000 people.
Echo Park Lake is located along Glendale Boulevard, south of Sunset Boulevard.
For more information, follow @LotusFestivalLA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
