City of Angels on Friday, August 9th celebrated the history and culture of the Sri Lankan, Korean and Ecuadorian communities in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles City Council meeting opened with a special presentation – which included a traditional drum performance – in recognition of the 79th anniversary of Korean Independence Day, which is formally celebrated on August 15.

Members of the Korean and Korean American community who spoke noted that LA is home to the largest Koreatown in the world, and that LA was the first American city to recognize Korea as an independent country.

It was at LA City Hall that the Korean flag was raised in August 1942 – three years before the country officially became independent. The flag-raising ceremony was broadcast worldwide and prompted other cities and states to follow suit, a spokesman said.

The LA City Council also recognized Ecuador’s Independence Day, noting that Saturday, August 10 marks the 215th anniversary of the country’s independence and recognizing the Ecuadorian community’s cultural and economic contributions to LA

In addition, the City Hall came alive with music and dance in honor of Sri Lanka Day. Dancers in traditional Sri Lankan attire performed in the forecourt and the Sri Lankan flag was raised while attendees were treated to food from the South Asian country.