The Los Angeles City Council on Oct. 31 honored Main Street Canoga Park and volunteers behind the Dia de los Muertos Family Festival, marking the event’s 25th anniversary.
Councilmember Bob Blumenfield led the recognition, recounting the festival’s origins as a small gathering of altars and its growth into a large community event that draws tens of thousands and provides revenue for local businesses. Ada Lascio, a long‑time volunteer and the festival’s board president, said the event began with four altars and has grown into a mile‑long festival that "brings more than 50,000 people throughout the day." Jacqueline Bernstein, executive director of Main Street Canoga Park, highlighted the festival’s role in community revitalization and arts programming.
Councilmembers and founders described the festival as culturally significant and credited generations of volunteers and local organizers for sustaining the event. The council presented a commemorative certificate signed by the mayor and council members recognizing the organization’s quarter‑century contribution to local culture and economic activity.