West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval Kicks Off, Hundreds Of Thousands Of Revelers Turn Out
WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — As many as a half-million people attended West Hollywood's annual Halloween Carnaval parade on Saturday night, in what is easily of the world's largest Halloween celebrations.
The Carnaval was scheduled to take place from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard.
CBS2's Erica Nochlin said the party went on way past the time it was supposed to end.
The festivities were just starting to kick off at 6 p.m., with many costumed revelers showing off their elaborate costumes to Nochlin and jockeying for prime positioning along Santa Monica Boulevard.
Revelers were also being urged to use the hashtag "#WeHoHalloween" to document their costumes on social media.
Live entertainment along the parade route will include bands, DJs, dancers, artists and painters.
This year's party paid tribute to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on its 40th anniversary.
During the festivities, that movie's star, actor Tim Curry, was named the city's honorary mayor.
Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the heart of the city as street closures will remain in effect until 6 a.m. on Sunday.
The following streets will be closed at Midnight:
— San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue
— Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and Croft Avenue/Holloway Drive
Officials added smaller streets will also remain blocked off through Halloween weekend.
City officials plan to suspend permit parking restrictions from 11 a.m. today until noon on Sunday.
The Carnaval began in 1987 and has since turned into one of the largest Halloween bases around the world.
For more information on the parade, call (323) 848-6503 or click here.
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