HALF A CENTURY OF TRADITION: LONG BEACH'S PRINCE OF PEACE PAGEANT BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

By Kathryn Wells

As someone who values community traditions and the unique ways they bring people together, I’m excited to attend this year's "Prince of Peace" pageant in Long Beach for the first time. For the past 50 years, this live nativity performance has been a staple of the holiday season, offering a meaningful way for people to celebrate and reflect.

The History

The event was inspired by the Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters—where actors recreate famous works of art—and brings the story of Christmas to life in a similar immersive fashion. Even if you don’t come from a religious perspective, there’s something undeniably special about the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into making this event happen.

The pageant was founded in 1973, by Pastor Magnuson of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, who wanted to create an event that emphasized the true meaning of Christmas in the Christian tradition—the birth of Christ. “It started as a way to get back to the roots of Christmas, with the churches coming together to create something special for the community,” shared Dale Hvotich, one of the original founders. Over the years, the event has grown into a community-wide production that welcomes everyone.

37 “Living Statues”, Live Animals, And 16 Scenes

Dale has been representing University Baptist Church since 1980, and during our conversation, he reflected on the challenges and joys of being a part of the pageant. One of the more unique roles he’s taken on is being a “living statue” in one of the nativity scenes, which requires actors to stay still for long periods. “Standing still for over an hour can be tough, but I focus on the audience, especially the kids—they’re always amazed, and that keeps me going,” Dale shared. He recalled a particularly memorable moment when the Long Beach Police Department helicopter flew overhead during a performance, its spotlight casting a magical, star-like glow over the scene. “It was completely unplanned, but it added something special that night,” he said.

I also chatted with Ed Gringas, who now serves as the director of the pageant. Ed is responsible for managing the logistics behind this large-scale production, coordinating 37 actors, live animals, and 16 scenes. “We have an incredible team of volunteers, and without them, this event just wouldn’t be possible,” Ed said. He emphasized that while the pageant’s mission is rooted in reminding people of the Christian meaning of Christmas, “We want this to be a welcoming experience for everyone in the community, no matter their beliefs. It’s about coming together.”

One interesting aspect of the pageant’s location on Wardlow Road is its proximity to several other churches. Dale explained that the area was deliberately zoned to cluster churches and schools together, making it easier for residents to access both. This planning decision, made decades ago, has created a unique neighborhood dynamic where churches play an integral role in community life.

Despite the challenges of recent years, particularly due to COVID-19, the "Prince of Peace" pageant continues to thrive. “We’ve distributed about 2,500-3,000 flyers each year to spread the word,” Ed mentioned, adding that the production is entirely volunteer-driven, with people from all walks of life coming together to make it happen. From the actors to those handling the animals and setting up scenes, every role is filled by someone passionate about contributing to this special event.

See The Pageant

The pageant will take place this year on December 7-8, with performances running from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. With 16 scenes, the first scene is located at Saint Cornelius Church at the corner of Wardlow and Bellflower Blvd.

There’s something truly remarkable about a tradition that has endured for 50 years, bringing people together to celebrate the season in a meaningful way. Whether you’re there for the story, the community, or simply to take in the artistry and care behind each scene, the "Prince of Peace" pageant offers something for everyone to appreciate.