FOSTERING TRADITION

SINCE 1998

WHO WE

ARE.

From 1998 to 2018, LA Carnival brought together a multigenerational mix of Caribbean immigrants and friends to pioneer the longest running Caribbean carnival in Southern California.  Following the Covid hiatus, LA Carnival launched in Leimert Park in 2023 with its 100 Drums Parade and Starlight Spectacular, lighting up Crenshaw Boulevard.

Rooted in Caribbean arts, culture and traditions - Los Angeles Carnival captures the essence of Caribbean heritage and integrates the hopes, values and creative expressions of Los Angeles itself.

Los Angeles Carnival On Tour, the traveling and educational arm of the organization brings carnival experiences to schools and neighborhoods who might not otherwise experience this living art form. It presents imaginative workshops, theme-based performances and installations to businesses and corporate clients.

OUR

CORE.

  • The mission of Los Angeles Carnival is to preserve, promote and bring innovation to Caribbean cultural practices; and to share the Caribbean experience with the most diverse cross-section of communities that call Los Angeles Home. 

  • We envision being the organization of choice for delivering excellence in Caribbean cultural arts, developing integrated solutions to cultural intolerance, and presenting excellent arts education and performances that advance innovation, while preserving the integrity of Caribbean cultural heritage.

  • Our values are guided by personal and professional integrity, honesty and respect for the people we encounter, and the spaces we inhabit.  

    We also value:

    • Pursuit of excellence in all that we do

    • Delivering on our promises

    • Preserving and protecting the heritage that defines us

    • Respecting the heritage and values that define others.

WE LOVE

LOS ANGELES.

Los Angeles - A City. A County. A Region. A People. Los Angels Carnival represents a regional identity encapsulated in its tagline, ‘The Voice of a People, The Rhythm of A Region.’ It is a performance event, an educational organization and a touring ensemble. At its root, LA Carnival is part of the worldwide chain of Caribbean carnivals imported into global communities by Caribbean immigrants. Founded in 1998 by Marie Kellier, LA Carnival bears the basic structure of a Caribbean carnival but is imbued with the indelible identity of an LA vibe. While similar to a parade a carnival is not an orderly procession. Masqueraders and revelers interact with the public while dancing with exuberance behind their mobile music systems.

Sometimes hard to define, LA Culture is probably best expressed as ‘a Vibe.’  Expansive and laid back, LA is the place the nation follows for innovation and style. Keeping true to LA’s reputation of setting trends, LA Carnival exudes a vibe all its own and maintains its heritage while breaking with some of its Caribbean traditions.  Migrating from its Hollywood beginning in 1998 to its Westchester home of over 18 years, LA Carnival has come home to its true community,  the iconic Crenshaw/Leimert Park Village with a new look and a multicultural community vibe!

Join the

team.

Join the movement and be part of the rhythm! Sign up to stay connected, get involved, and celebrate Caribbean culture with us all year long.