WEST HOLLYWOOD (CNS) - Thousands of revelers will descend on West Hollywood tonight as the city hosts its annual Halloween Carnaval, billed as the world's largest Halloween party and famed for the often outlandish costumes worn by party-goers.
The Carnaval, scheduled for 6 to 11 p.m., will take place along Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard.
“Each year, thousands of people plan for weeks, even months, ahead of time to imagine and create incredible costumes,” Mayor John J. Duran said.
The Carnaval began in 1987 and has grown annually, evolving into a Southland and national phenomenon.
But the rules are strict to ensure security. No alcohol or public drinking is permitted along city streets, and no backpacks, camera cases or other bags will be allowed. Weapons and fireworks are also banned -- as are kids and pets.
Carnaval-goers are urged to show off their costumes by posting pictures online with the hashtag wehohalloween.
More information on the Carnaval is available online at weho.org/halloween or by calling (323) 848-6503.
To accommodate the event, multiple streets will be closed in the area throughout the day, meaning headaches for commuters in the area. According to the city, the following streets will be blocked:
-- San Vicente Boulevard between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue will be closed all day Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday;
-- Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega Boulevard and Holloway Drive/Croft Avenue will be closed from 6 a.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday;
-- Santa Monica between Doheny Drive and La Cienega, and all side streets in the area, will be closed all day Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday; and
-- La Cienega between Holloway and Melrose will be closed from 4 p.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday.
The dog parks at West Hollywood Park will also be closed all day Wednesday, reopening at 6 a.m. Thursday.
The city will suspend permit parking restrictions from 11 a.m. Wednesday through noon Thursday, and parking meters will not be enforced between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday. City officials warned people to be aware of where they are parking because meters will be enforced in neighboring Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
Photos: Getty Images