How We Identify
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.
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 Mission
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.
Our Vision
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
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.
Our Team
Our part time staff is assembled annually and are supplemented by an all volunteer team.