Written by our Student Interns: Sophia Vegas, Samanta Pandey & Hailey Garcia.
Known today for its annual celebration incorporating carnival activities such as rides, food, performances, games and live music, the Fiesta La Ballona is an integral event that brings residents of and visitors alike together for a three-day celebration of all Culver City has to offer. Fiesta La Ballona provides activities and fun for people of all ages. It is an event that has continued for the past 74 years!
Fiesta La Ballona was initiated in 1951 by the City of Culver City in collaboration with the Culver City Chamber of Commerce. The weekend celebration was designed to honor Culver City’s early heritage, beginning with the influence of the Spanish, followed by the Rancho period ,and then the founding and growth of the City.
The original plan for the Fiesta included a parade through the streets of Culver City, and a gathering at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, which has been maintained as the heart of the celebration throughout the decades. Culver Blvd was shut down from Main street to overland for the yearly parade that focused on Culver City’s rich history and historic presence in the movie industry.
Many attendees, ranging from young to old, were inspired to dress up as characters from movies that were filmed in Culver City, demonstrating pride in the role and contributions of our local movie industry. Others dressed as famous individuals from history or as the early settlers of this area.
The Fiesta Queen and her court were chosen, and their float was prepared with careful attention to detail. Art and flower shows, antique car showings, and bus tours provided entertainment for everyone. Some evening events included square dancing and communal barbeques. The aquacades were hosted at the Culver City Plunge, which included water activities such as swimming, diving and more.
Additionally, if locals were feeling competitive, they could enter an array of contests such as The Kiddie Costume Contest, the Baby Beauty Contest, the Parade Float Contest, the Window Dressing contest and even a Beard Growing Contest! In return, Fiesta Ribbons were awarded to all the winners.
The modern-day iteration of the annual Fiesta La Ballona has been changed by the course of time, but the spirit of the Fiesta La Ballona remains the same—a celebration of the community spirit of Culver City.
