CLEVELAND (May 3, 2024)—The Cleveland Museum of Art’s (CMA) 32nd annual Parade the Circle returns to University Circle on Saturday, June 8. This year’s theme, “Visions of Harmony,” invites participants and spectators to explore the beauty of unity in diversity through imaginative costumes, towering puppets, floats, and intricately crafted masks. As one of Cleveland’s most beloved traditions, the day promises a celebration of art, culture, and community.
Led by acclaimed artist Héctor Castellanos Lara for the second consecutive year, Parade the Circle kicks off at noon from the museum’s north entrance.
The day’s festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with Circle Village, presented by University Circle Inc. and the fun continues until 4:00 p.m. in Wade Oval. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in interactive activities offered by esteemed institutions such as the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland History Center, and Cleveland Botanical Garden. Attendees can also enjoy culinary delights from local vendors and groove to the beat of Latin City Soul Band live on stage.
“The word harmony,” reflected Castellanos Lara, “refers to a positive state of inner peace, calmness, and balance, as well as the feeling of being in sync with friends, family, partners, and neighbors. Working on the parade as a community and seeing different visions come to life is not only beautiful but magical. This harmonious intersection is the key to a successful event that we can all celebrate!”
Originally from Guatemala, Castellanos Lara has called Cleveland his home for more than 30 years, sharing his passion for art and cultural expression with the Cleveland community. He is the founder of Cleveland’s annual Day of the Dead celebration and cofounder of ALU (Artistas Latinos Unidos), an association dedicated to promoting Latino artists.
Parade the Circle, which was founded by the CMA in 1990 with a small number of artists, has since grown to become a beloved large-scale event, drawing crowds in the tens of thousands every June. Families, neighbors, community groups, churches, artists, performers—everyone is welcome to express their creativity, show their talent, and celebrate the arts at Parade the Circle. Every year, magnificent parade designs delight participants and attendees alike.
Find out what draws people to this remarkable and unique Cleveland event. To learn more about how to participate in Parade the Circle, visit clevelandart.org/events/parade-circle. For more information about Circle Village, visit: universitycircle.org/parade-circlevillage.
Parade the Circle Is for Everyone
CMA Tent Workshops
Saturdays and Sundays, May 11–June 2, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 4, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Workshop pass: $50 per person
Participants can create costumes, masks, and giant puppets made with the assistance of staff artists at all public workshops (nine total) in the parade tent. A one-time fee entitles you to attend all workshops.
Parade Registration
$5 per child (under 18), $10 per adult
All parade participants must be registered. Participants must adhere to parade guidelines. Parade participation is open to all ages; however, children 15 and under must register and attend with someone 16 or older. All parade entries must be registered online. No new entries are accepted after May 24, 2024.