There’s something special about flying a kite on a spring day when the wind is just right. Clockshop’s Kite Festival, is an annual celebration of art in public spaces and its ability to bring people together. For its 6th year in a row, the Kite Festival inspires thousands to flock to LA State Historic Park and enjoy the festivities.
What started in 2021 as a stand against the Dodgers’ proposed gondola project, which threatened to displace and uproot communities in Chinatown, has turned into an annual celebration that many look forward to each year. Flying kites across the vast open space above LA State Historic Park reinforces the idea that the park was founded upon, that parks belong to people.
Each year surrounds a theme, celebrating the cultures and people of Los Angeles. This year’s theme is “take a breath” which is “a celebration of the wind that lifts our kites, the open sky above this park and the air that connects us all,” as noted in the program description.
Francisco Ramos, this year’s commissioned artist, created a handmade kite in a traditional Guatemalan hexagon shape. Ramos’ work celebrates the joy of parks, “soy de Guatemala, como dice el lema del festival “tomate un respiro”, y para mi los parques son algo muy principal en la vida [I am from Guatemala, as the festival motto says, “take a break” and for me parks are something very important in life.]”
The festival encourages community members to try kitemaking out for themselves. Some crafted kites from plastic grocery bags or scrap paper. Others made elaborate designs with markers, paint and colorful streamers. Youth and adult attendees can enter the handmade kite competition and showcase their work. Clockshop also offers pre-assembled paper and bamboo kites for a small donation, so everyone can join in on the fun.
Kite Masters roam the park throughout the event to support getting kites in the air and offer techniques for smooth sailing. There are also artmaking workshops, booths from local organizations and food trucks selling an assortment of treats. On the main stage, DJs bring the soundtrack to get the crowd moving, and this year King Dance led cumbia dance lessons.
This time next year, keep an eye out for the event and consider making a kite of your own. Bring a friend, bring a kite, take a breath and enjoy your local public spaces with the community.
