04 June 2014- The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles hosted the Launch of the 2014 Lotus Festival on May 30 in its Community Hall.

The 34th Lotus Festival will feature the Philippines as the country of honor and will showcase Philippine traditional art, music, food and dances to be held at Echo Park, Los Angeles from July 12 to 13, 2014.  The Lotus Festival is organized by the L.A. Lotus Festival, Inc. with the Department of Recreation and Parks and the City of Los Angeles as the main sponsors.

The Lotus Festival coincides with the traditional blooming of the lotus flower symbolizing rebirth and its mission is to develop, promote and create an atmosphere of understanding where Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California come together for two days of cultural sharing.  The last time the celebrated Lotus Festival was in 2011. The Echo Park underwent rehabilitation works from 2012 to 2013. 

In Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim’s remarks, he said that the Philippine Consulate General is eager to highlight Philippine culture and traditions especially on the Opening Day and is coordinating with Philippine-American communities, providing an hour and a half program of entertainment.

The L.A. Lotus Festival, Inc. President, Leo Pandac, informed the members of the media present at the launch that the 34th Lotus Festival will kick-off at noon on July 12, 2014, with the Philippines commencing the festivities with cultural experience followed by approximately 25 to 30 programs until late evening.  The following day, July 13, the public will again experience a variety of cultural and musical entertainment complete with food booths and vendors.

For more information, please visit:  www.facebook.com/pages/lotus-festival/32372488176. END