There is no war on Christmas and the City of West Hollywood has not cancelled Halloween. The City of West Hollywood does not have the power to cancel All Hallows’ Eve, or All Saints’ Eve, which is a celebration observed in many countries on October 31st, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. However, the City of West Hollywood can and has cancelled its Annual Halloween Carnaval event, which is known to attract massive crowds to Santa Monica Boulevard (allegedly up to half a million people) as a precaution to keep people safe against the spread of COVID.
Again, Halloween is not cancelled, just the annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval event. There is plenty to do in WeHo for Halloween.
The City of West Hollywood is sending a reminder to the community and the region that even though the City’s annual Halloween Carnaval will not take place for Halloween 2021 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, restaurants and entertainment venues in the City of West Hollywood will be open for business on Halloween in adherence to LA County Public Health protocols.
The public is reminded that the LA County Health Officer Order requires use of masks while in indoor public settings and while attending mega-events. Bar and restaurant patrons are advised to use masks, except while actively eating or drinking. The City of West Hollywood’s Code Compliance Division provides oversight of business compliance and Code Enforcement Officers may issue Administrative Citations to businesses that are not in compliance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health orders and protocols for use of masks.
The City of West Hollywood also reminds community members and visitors that there is a COVID-19 Vaccine Verification Requirements Order, which applies to patrons and staff at Covered Businesses, including: (1) establishments where food or drink is served indoors (e.g., restaurants, theaters, cannabis consumption lounges, entertainment venues); (2) health/fitness facilities (e.g., gyms, dance studios); and (3) personal care establishments (e.g., skin care and cosmetology services, massage services, nail salons, and hair salons). At this time, patrons age 18 and older must provide proof that they have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination before entering any indoor portion of a facility, subject only to certain exceptions.
Halloween in West Hollywood last year still saw a smaller gathering of people in costumes on Santa Monica Boulevard. The bars were closed last year and restaurants were open at a limited capacity, so this year may attract more people to the city. There are bound to be lines outside of bars, and with OutZones in place, there will less room to move on the sidewalks, which has the potential to become crowded this weekend–not to mention, parking will be a nightmare.
The City is urging community members to stay safe this Halloween by limiting in-person gatherings and by encouraging use of masks. Halloween activities that encourage virtual participation or social distancing can help to prevent community spread of COVID-19, such as: online parties/contests (e.g. costume or pumpkin carving); drive-by events or contests; Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters; Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants (plan ahead with advance reservations); Halloween-themed art installations; dressing-up homes and yards with Halloween-themed decorations; and buying and carving a pumpkin at home. LA County Public Health notes: “The fewer people you and your household have in-person contact with, the lower your risk of getting COVID-19.”
The City of West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval event was launched in 1987 and is rooted in the foundation of the City’s diverse culture and community. The event has grown year-by-year into an annual gathering of phenomenal costumes, entertainment, culture, and self-expression with a myriad of observers, revelers, exhibitionists, and performers.
The City of West Hollywood remains in a declared local emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Coronavirus information is available at www.weho.org/coronavirus.
