Salsa Claus: Los Elves are taking a break before returning to the South Pole to finish up toys in time for Christmas, so said a father to his child as this red clad drill team danced on Whittier Blvd. The East L.A. Christmas Parade first started during the turbulent 70s to bring together the Los Angeles “Chicano” community and now has a cross section of cultures within a culture. Zoot Suiters again walked slowly down the Boulevard, this time wearing holiday red. Two low-riders, one in candy apple red and the other in light green led a car club down a street that used to see cruising nightly. Folklorico dancers in traditional dress were followed by a Vegas-style Aztec outfitedgroup, complete with a sequined Guadelupe on the back of capes, performing traditional steps. A little flash under “El Archo", the Whittier Blvd Arch dedicated in 1986 and what served as he marker for the start of judging.
Tu Ciudad de East L.A.? East L.A., Boyle Heights, and sometimes Lincoln Heights, are seen by many Angelenos as one area across the L.A. River. East L.A. itself is unincorporated and been slowly reduced by development from surrounding rivals like the City of Commerce. Steps have been taken to look into incorporating East L.A. as a city.
We're with the band. A 6 piece banda eyed the crowd with a look on their faces realizing that this was bigger place than first expected. They played with a slight hesitancy until a warm applause started. It's estimated that 70,000 people came to watch and a sheriff stated "I’ve seen it grow more in the last 5 years.” Parade organizers have brought in to increase sponsorships and attract higher end celebrities. The 32nd version of the parade include cast members of ABC’s “Ugly Betty", Alan Dale, Tony Plana and Ana Ortiz were among those joined in. Returning Performers The best story coming out of the East L.A. holiday fest was the marching band from from Lincoln High School. It’s arts programs was wiped out almost a decade ago ftom budget cuts, so alumni were invited to march together. Back from Banksy? King Taco may have also booked a star. What looked like Tai the elephant, the painted Asian pachyderm for Banksy Downtown L.A.s installation earlier this year, had a spot in the parade as well.
More pics at flik.
Also, LATimes goes to the DooDahParade.
Just FYI The Girls in Red are not a drill Team they are Alma Latina de Lynwood, a dance group taht is invited and performs in 5-6 parades a year.
Posted by: Parent | November 20, 2007 at 10:06 AM