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Discovering some of the best-known ethnic festivals in and around the Los Angeles throughout the year.

Chinese New year Celebration & Golden Dragon Parade
Los Angeles Chinese residents welcome in the new year fron January through February with a month-long party that includes Chinese art exhibits, a gold tournament, a marathon race and a spectacular parade through Chinatown. This year Chinese new Year fall on mid-February, I think the events may begin in the February.

Blessing Of The Animals
The day before Easter in the courtyard of La Placita Church near Olvera street, adult and children gather with their pets to receive a blessing in the age-old Mexican tradition.

Thai New Year
Buddhist monks in saffron robes are among the representative of Los Angeles's Thai community in attendance at this celebration at the Wat Thai temple at 8225 Coldwater Canyon in North Hollywood. The 2 days event, in early to mid-April, features blessings by the monks as well as culture music, dance performance and Thai delicacies.

The Annual Lotus Festival
This colorful 2 days event brings together some 2 dozen Pacific Island and Asian peoples in a cross-cultural celebration that include culture dances, arts and crafts demonstrations, flower shows, a health fair and an array of exotic food. The festivities are held the second weekend in July at Echo Park Lake, near downtown.

NISEI Week Japanese Festival
A week-long series of events take place in mid-August in Little Tokyo in the heart of downtown Los Angeles to pay homage to Japanese-American culture. Among the activities featured are Japanese different culture music and dances performance, a parade, culture exhibits, demonstrations in martial arts and traditional Japanese food sales.

Mexico's Independence Day
The centerpiece of this historic celebration is a gala parade on the mid-September. The procession through downtown Los Angeles-a spicy mix of charros, Aztec dances, Mexican matinee idols and marching bands-commenmorates the overthrow of 300 years of Spainsh colonial rule. Olvera street also holds a 3 days commenmoration in mid-September with ballet folklorico and mariachi performances, an art exhibit and children's activities.

The Simon Rodia Watts Tower Jazz Festival & Day Of The Drum Festival
Held the last week in September, these back-to-back celebrations draw on the creative skills of some of the country's finest rhythm and blues, jazz and gospel stars and drumming talents. The 2 events take place at the Watts Towers Arts Center.

LITHUANIAN Fair
Visitors to this early October event can enjoy displays and demonstrations of weaving and wood carving plus Easter-egg waxing and painting techniques. Live entertaiment, traditional Lithuanian foods, folk costumes and athletic competitions are among the other attractions. This 2 days celebration are held at St Casmir Church, George street in Los Angeles.

The Annual Scandinavian Festival
Nordic folk dancing, music, storytelling, arts & crafts booths, a children's corner, typical food and a parade are on tap at this mid-October festival held at the MGM Plaza, Colorado Avenue in santa Monica.

International Festival Of The Masks
For a look at some of the city's most talented artists and performers, this colorful events is not to be be missed. Regular features includes continuous dance and theater performances, booths selling masks, clothing and jewelry from around the world and ethnic food stands. You can check out at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.

HANUKKAH Festival
The entire family will enjoy the going-on at this 1 day celebration in early December at the Skirball Cultural Center. Activities include musical performances, art exhibits and storytelling, along with food sampling.