The Eighth Annual AntiMall

December 19, 2009: The 2009 AntiMall was held on a cordoned-off street adjacent to Antigua Coffee House (which was celebrating its grand reopening) at 3400 North Figueroa in Cypress Park. Antigua serves coffee that is organically grown by a family-run business in Guatemala (more information here).

Many of us would like to give up holiday shopping altogether. However, the annual AntiMall is an opportunity for holiday shoppers to at least have their money go to artivists (artists + community activists) and causes such as Afghan Women's Mission—rather than big box stores and other corporate behemoths.

AntiMalls tend to have good, healthy food as well (oftentimes the South Central Farmers have provided the catering). It is also an opportunity to engage in good conversation with like-minded people.

This year's live entertainment was provided by Buyepongo, DJ Gomez Comes Alive!, Kotolan, DJ Rani D., Ollin, Gigio & Dren Doh, DJ Marco, and others.

The AntiMall changes location each year in the hope of serving different communities in L.A. Previous venues have included El Sereno Community Garden, the Southern California Library, and the La Culebra community space in Highland Park.

Here is LA IndyMedia's coverage/pix of previous AntiMalls: 2008 AntiMall (part 1) 2008 AntiMall (part 2) 2007: Winter AntiMall (photos/report) Winter AntiMall (additional pix)