La Fiesta de Los Angeles
In 1894, Los Angeles found itself in a period of depression.
The leadership of the Los Angeles Merchants’ Association thought that a festival might draw visitors from across the country who had traveled to attend the San Francisco Exhibition, already in progress.
Max Meyberg, owner of the Crystal Palace Crockery & Glass Store, volunteered to be Director General of the three-day La Fiesta de Los Angeles.
During the first day of festivities, a parade of decorated wagons and participants came to City Hall, where they disposed the Mayor and City Council of their duties and an elected the Queen of the Festival, who “ruled” Los Angeles – all in good fun.
Of this event Max Meyberg wrote:
“In the work of organizing and presenting this great festival a number of men were brought together, who, from mere speaking acquaintances, became warm friends, and who now feel that they are banded together for a permanent public interest. I was inspired not only by the Mardi Gras in New Orleans but by a ‘midwinter fair’ being held in San Francisco and with the attractions, taken from the World’s Exhibition of Chicago, drawing crowds of people.”
The successful inaugural Festival was held in the Spring of 1894, and was repeated in 1895 and 1896, drawing crowds of thousands each time.
Fortunately, this was the period of early postcards, some of which have survived to this day.
La Fiesta de Los Angeles, vintage postcard
Princesses, La Fiesta de Los Angeles
Float, La Fiesta de Los Angeles
Chinese participants, La Fiesta de Los Angeles
