Religious Studies

The Soul of the City

Saturday, October 15, 2016 - 8:00am to Sunday, October 16, 2016 - 8:00am

Location:
Tours are neighborhood specific.
Cost:
Free

Found LA BannerOn Saturday, October 15, 2016 and Sunday, October 16, 2016, the non-profit L.A. Commons will host its 6th annual Found LA: Festival of Neighborhoods. As previous years’ tours have been guided by themes—the L.A. River, Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Great Streets program, and last year’s Maps of Los Angeles—this year’s tours focus on religion and spirituality in Los Angeles under the banner “The Soul of the City.”

The Fall tour event builds on a June program through L.A. Commons that enabled Angelenos to delve into the Muslim faith, deepening their collective understanding. L.A. Commons partnered with a range of local Islamic and Interfaith organizations for a celebration of Ramadan, kicking off the month of fasting with music, poetry and of course, food. Tours of mosques around town were included.

So inspired by the reaction to this event, Found LA’s “The Soul of the City” participants in October will have the opportunity to explore the amazing diversity of religions and spirituality across Los Angeles and the cultural practices embedded within them. Consider Wat Thai Temple in North Hollywood, where Thai Buddhists gather to observe their faith and partake in the offerings at an incredible food marketplace. First AME church in Los Angeles was founded by Los Angeles pioneer Biddy Mason and others and is now housed in a landmark building designed by Paul Williams with not to be missed historic murals inside. Visit the Hollywood Temple where Hindu Swami, Paramahansa Yogananda, brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s, and incorporated the Self Realization Fellowship in 1935. And become familiar with the Islamic community, including its mosques. More tours are currently being confirmed.

Found L.A. is a FREE, annual citywide event that showcases culturally dynamic neighborhoods through the eyes of residents, public figures and renowned artists, who generously volunteer to share their unique perspective and passion for their neighborhood.  Found L.A. is open to anyone who wants to organize a tour of their neighborhood, and anyone who wants to learn more about the vast expanse that is Los Angeles. Found LA offers culture-seekers the opportunity to explore historic boulevards, sample delicious foods in unknown corridors, and hear little known stories, among many other adventures in communities all around the city.