Thousands Attend West Hollywood's Annual Halloween Carnaval

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — Costumed revelers took over Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood as the city hosted its annual Halloween Carnaval, famed for its often-outlandish costumes and throngs of attendees, with no arrests or incidents reported, authorities said Friday morning.

The event, billed as the largest Halloween party in the world, took place from 6 to 11 p.m. Thursday on Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard.

The Carnaval began in 1987 and has grown annually, evolving into a Southland and national phenomenon.

"It's always one of the most exciting events of the year," Mayor John D'Amico said. "Each year, tens of thousands of people craft the most amazing costumes imaginable. Come in a costume and stay for the music, the creativity and the camaraderie."

D'Amico and other City Council members took part in a celebratory program at Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards.

As usual, strict rules were enforced during the event. No alcohol or public drinking was permitted along city streets, and no backpacks, camera cases or other bags were allowed, although clear plastic bags were permitted. Weapons and fireworks were also banned, and kids and pets were "strongly discouraged."

Several streets in the area will be closed until later Friday morning:

— San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue will be closed until 7 a.m.;

— Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Holloway Drive/Croft Avenue will be closed until 6 a.m.;

— Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega, and all side streets in the area, will be closed until 6 a.m.; and

— La Cienega Boulevard between Holloway Drive and Melrose Avenue will be closed until 6 a.m.

The dog parks at West Hollywood Park are set to reopen at 6 a.m.

The city suspended permit parking through noon Friday, and parking meter enforcement will resume at 2 a.m.

City News Service