The Lotus Festival originated in 1972, by the Department of Recreation and Parks and members of the Council of Oriental Organizations (C.O.O.).  The two Co‑Chairpersons for the first five years were volunteers from the Asian Community: Ella Quan and Helen Young.  Hazel Young was Co‑Chairperson until the mid 80's and currently remains as an active member on the Lotus Festival Advisory Board and Planning Committee.
           
The Lotus Flower is significant to the Asian cultures as a symbol of rebirth, purity and life.  The Festival is held in July when the Lotus Flower blooms.  Echo Park Lake was selected as the site for the event due to its central location of local Asian and Pacific Islander communities and because it houses the largest lotus bed in the United States.

The Festival was originally named "The Day of the Lotus", and the purpose was to promote an awareness and understanding of the contributions by the Asian and Pacific Islander people to our culture and to the local and surrounding communities. The first two Festivals were one‑day affairs, which attracted approximately 15,000 people.  Due to the success of the Festival, it was expanded to a two‑day event.  The Dragon Boat Races became part of the entertainment when the Festival had a Chinese Opening Day Ceremony.  City budget cuts curtailed the Festival from 1978‑1979.  In 1980 through 1985, the Festival took place once again, due the generosity of various sponsors... Again, it was put on hold until 1989.

In 1989, the 12th Annual Day of the Lotus Festival added the Island Flower Show.  In 1990, the Festival was renamed "Lotus Festival" with the theme: "The People and Cultures of the Pacific Rim".  The Lotus Advisory Board was developed in 1991, made up of representatives from various Asian and Pacific Islands communities, in order to promote and present the authenticity of their cultures.  In 1992, the theme was changed to "The People and Cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands".  In 1993, the Lotus Festival added the Asian Youth Scholarship Program.  In 1994, the Festival expanded again by adding a "Pavilion" to focus on the current year's highlighted culture.

Since the 1991 Festival, each year's attendance is estimated to be well over 75,000.  Past participation from the following Asian and Pacific Islander communities include:  Japanese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Chinese, Samoan, Tongan, Hawaiian, Thai, Korean, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Indonesian, Tibetan, Laotian, Bangladeshi and Hmong.  The Lotus Festival attracts families from all ethnic groups found in and throughout Southern California.

In commemoration of the 31st Anniversary of the Lotus Festival, our  Friday Night Jazz Series will kick off the festival on Friday, July 11, 2008, concluding with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.

And with great tradition, the Opening Ceremonies will begin Saturday, July 12, 2007 at 12:00 p.m., to earmark the celebration of the 31st Lotus Festival, which includes live music, dance and entertainment from a variety of performers representing many of the diverse countries of Asia and the Pacific Islands. 

This year, the Festival will highlight the people and culture of Japan.  A fabulous final fireworks display over Echo Park Lake will conclude Saturday's activities at 9:00 p.m. with the legendary Taiko Drummers playing in the background.

CONTACT:

Lotus Festival
3900 West Chevy Chase Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(213) 485-1310; FAX (213) 485-8746

Email: Lotus.Festival@lacity.org

Website: www.laparks.org/grifmet/lotus.htm