The Pacific coastal city of Long Beach, California has long been known as an international city. The city is home to one of the largest shipping ports in the world which brings with it a huge influx of people from all over the world. Many cultural groups exist within the Long Beach city limits, earning it the nickname “The International City.” Long Beach prides itself on its unique mix of people by celebrating all the different nationalities and cultures that exist within the city. Throughout the year, residents and visitors can participate in any number of cultural festivals. Here are just a few of the festivals that take place in Long Beach:
Scottish Queen Mary Festival
The Queen Mary Scottish Festival is a celebration of Scottish heritage. The festival takes place in February each year on The Queen Mary, which is one of the most famous boats ever built on the River Clyde and a testament to the great craftsmanship of the Scottish people. The cultural celebration will include the music of Scottish bagpipes and drums, various Highland dance competitions, whiskey tastings and more.
Southern California Italian Festival
The 2010 SoCal Italian Festival takes place each May at the Seaport Marina Hotel within the interior gardens and pool area. The festival aims to keep the “taste of Italy” alive within the SoCal area with a variety of vendors including Lucci’s Gelato & Italian Ice, Unico Los Angeles Pizza, and Mediterranean Marble, just to name a few. A portion of the proceeds from the SoCal Italian Festivals will benefit the Long Beach Friends of Animals.
Ho’olaule’a Tiki Beach Festival
The 10th annual Ho’olaule’a Tiki Beach Festival takes place every August on the beach from sunrise to sunset. The festival hosts a number of activities including the “Night of Fire” torch lighting, fire walk, fire knife dance, Crazy Al Evans’ Tiki Museum and island music. The festival has a Taste of Aloha Food Court where you can try island-style food and Island Market Place and Cultural Center where you can shop for traditional island arts and crafts. A Hula praise and worship service will be held on Sunday morning.
greek festival
For more than 60 years, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Long Beach has celebrated the Greek Festival on Labor Day weekend. The festival features a number of family-friendly activities, including games and rides, church visits, Greek dancing lessons, dance performances, live music, and a variety of Greek foods and desserts to sample. The festival is open daily from noon to 9 pm Admission to the festival requires a small donation to the church and parking is free.
Brazilian street carnival
Brazil’s annual street carnival takes place in September at the waterfront amphitheater and features a colorful parade of costumed participants, dance performances, live music, and traditional Brazilian food and drink. The people of Long Beach, California are a diverse group of people who embrace their heritage and invite others to experience a bit of their culture through the annual festivals they host. These cultural festivals are a great way to spend a weekend while getting to know your neighbors.