The Blessing of the Animals

Olvera Street is known as the birthplace of Los Angeles. It is the oldest avenue in the city, and the original pueblo was built by 44 Mexican settlers in 1781. Today Olvera Street is not only a well known international tourist attraction, but a place where Mexican tradition is honored and Xicano culture thrives. Ever since 1930, the centuries old ritual called The Blessing of the Animals has taken place on Olvera Street. Everyone is invited to attend and bring their animals to this wonderful event. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the animals and their owners, along with the merchants of Olvera Street, will walk in a procession to the old plaza. Once there the animals will be blessed by Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony. Along with the colorful pageant of costumed animals and their owners, there will be musical entertainment, craft displays, exhibits, and of course plenty of great Mexican food! Saturday, March 26th. 2 - 5 pm. Free and open to the public. El Pueblo Historic Monument, Olvera Street, 845 N. Alameda St. Downtown Los Angeles. For information on The Blessing of the Animals, or to learn about the history of Olvera Street, visit the historic monument’s official website.