Curtain Raiser

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They say that nobody ever bothers to walk in car-choked Los Angeles. But on Martin Luther King Day—the third Monday in January—up to a million Los Angelenos will prove the adage wrong and take to the streets in honor of the late civil-rights leader. Martin Luther King Day is a public holiday in the U.S. (or "a day on, not a day off," as rights activists still proclaim). The centerpiece of the celebration in L.A. is the spectacular Kingdom Day Parade, which has been held for the past 20 years. Comprising dozens of floats, drill teams, marching bands and more than a few celebrities, the parade aptly commences on Martin Luther King Boulevard, near Crenshaw, and snakes for some two miles before finishing at Western. If you're planning to participate, note that streets along the route are closed to vehicular traffic from 8.30 a.m., so everyone will be leaving their cars at home—for once.