Being one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, Los Angeles presents an interesting view of how people of different cultures celebrate their traditions through picnicking. From the Mexican fiestas to the Japanese cherry blossom viewings, each culture has its own taste and ways of celebrating.
Regardless of whether you are a resident or a tourist, it is always fun to go through these cultural picnics as a way of understanding the core of multicultural city. For a more guided experience, you could also go to a Los Angeles luxury picnic company that can bring out beautiful setups and good food for the picnic. Therefore, take your basket and come with me on this trip.
Mexican picnics are colorful and tasty, and that is exactly what you are going to get in terms of food. You are most likely to come across items such as tacos with marinated meats, fresh tamales in corn husks, and salsas with a burst of spices. These picnics also have certain beverages, such as horchata and agua frescas, which are ideal for a hot day.
Some of the areas that are popular for Mexican families to have their picnics are Echo Park and Griffith Park. These parks are ideal for family occasions, which could include the Mexican festive tune of Mariachi or a game of Loteria, the Mexican bingo. These events are not limited to the dishes but the togetherness and the traditions, which create a lively and appealing environment.
Korean picnics are a feast to the eyes and more so to the tummy as Korean BBQ dominates the meals. In this occasion, families barbecue marinated meats like bulgogi, and galbi, and side dishes or banchan which includes kimchi, pickled vegetables and rice dishes. The preparation and consumption of these meals bring people together and are a means of passing down traditions.
Two places where the Korean families in LA are likely to go for a picnic are Koreatown and Wilshire Park. One can also find parents barbecuing and children playing while being embraced with the good smells of barbeque. These picnics are as much about the preparation of food as they are about the consumption of food and normally families are seen to be jovial as they prepare their meals.
Japanese picnics, particularly those done during the cherry blossom, are calm and very exquisite to behold. Sushi, rice balls, tempura, and seasonal fruits packed in bento boxes are examples of the meal. These well-presented meals not only make the stomach happy but also the eye and the Japanese sense of symmetry.
Japanese people like to have a picnic at Descanso Gardens and Lake Balboa Park. These parks are usually crowded with families during the cherry blossom season, feasting on hanami or flower viewing, their bento meals. Boys’ parties include tea ceremonies and traditional games such as kendama, a cup and ball game, which makes the atmosphere rather serene.
Modern Armenians enjoy numerous picnics in the territory of Los Angeles and especially in Glendale and Burbank, where people cook lavash bread, kebabs, dolma that is stuffed grape leaves. Such meals are usually served with fresh herbs, cheeses and fruits which are the result of Armenian cuisine’s legacy.
The Armenian families get together in local parks where the tunes of Armenian music and dances can be heard. These picnics are energetic. People dance in groups to do the short bar dance, and the spirit of togetherness is strongly felt. The picnics are wonderful for getting a taste of true Armenian hospitality and the way people celebrate their culture.
Chinese picnics are characterized by a wonderful selection of Dim Sum, dumplings, and mooncakes to give a glance of the Chinese food. These meals are best served in groups as each dish is distinct and different from the other from the plump steamed buns to the crispy mooncakes.
Chinese families like the San Gabriel Valley’s parks and often hold picnics at Almansor Park among other parks. The people sit together in groups with their families to eat their meals in the serene environment in which some are seen practicing Tai Chi or flying kites. These picnics are the combination of the pleasures of food and ethnographic tradition, which provides a calm and educational experience.
If one wants to take their picnic game a notch higher, they should hire a luxury picnic company in Los Angeles such as Picnic Makers. These companies focus on the design of unique, elegant, easily portable picnic arrangements. Regardless of whether you are aiming for a casual, laid-back bohemian or a sleek and modern picnic, they are capable to setup styled picnics with comfortable seating, great decor, and food!
This way, such services can make your cultural picnic in Los Angeles as enjoyable and easy-going as it can be.
Looking at the way culture plays out in the different picnicking activities in Los Angeles County is a good way of understanding the cultural aspect in the city. From the spiced food of a Mexican picnic to the calmness of a Japanese hanami to the liveliness of an Armenian gathering; each of the scenes captures the ethnic core of LA.
If one wants to take the experience a notch higher, one can hire a luxury picnic service provider in LA, such as Picnic Makers, which offers sophistication and gourmet services. Such picnics do not only acknowledge food but also unity, culture, and happiness from being in unison. Well, the next time you are in Los Angeles, you should try to be part of the cultural picnics in order to have the best experience.