Festival of Masks

Leimert Park's Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks is an annual celebration of our ancestors and an invocation for the South Central LA community.

Founded in 2010, by artists Najite Agindotan and Ben Caldwell in collaboration with LA Commons, the Festival of Masks is a multicultural, multigenerational and multimedia arts event grounded in the vast identities of Africa and the African diaspora. 

The festival features a libation ceremony, procession and an exciting lineup of dance and musical performances. The blessing and libation ceremony are designed to invoke a healing and reflection process in the community. The procession through the streets symbolizes the people's power and capacity to take ownership over their community, address challenges and create change.

2025 Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks

2026 Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks

Sunday, June 28

This year’s theme is Nea Onnim: the African Adinkra symbol representing
lifelong education and the continued quest for knowledge.

This year we will be honoring:

S. Pearl Sharp
Horace Tapscott
Aiysha Sinclair
Reverend Richard (Meri Ka Ra) Byrd
Kimberly Bolanile Paggett

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Thank you to our partners who make the Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks possible

Partners & Funders