Blessing of the Animals – Los Angeles
This Saturday, the one before Easter Sunday 2017, is the annual “Blessing of the Animals” event at Olvera Street, a tradition dating back to 1930. During the 4th century, San Antonio de Abad became the Patron Saint of Animals, blessing cattle and other working animals to ensure good health and future for them and their families.
Archbishop Jose Gomez will be giving the blessing, as he has done since at least 2012. Times have changed with thousands of attendees bringing their dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and more.
The center of Los Angeles, CA is Olvera Street, and that has not changed since 1877, just after the Mexican War ended.
Across the street from Olvera St is Union Station, making public transport simple to arrange. ALSO, across the street is “Phillippe the Original”, serving some of the best french dip sandwiches since 1908, but that is a food review for another day. Chinatown is a few blocks away, and Dodger stadium buses take fans every few minutes. From the Blessing of the Animals, the places to explore are endless. The food at Olvera Street is fantastic, and there is some fun shopping to do too. Olivera’s energy is palpable and contagious, visit for yourself to enjoy what is expected to be a very fun Sunday to be had by all.
Live music and more entertainment is from 12-5:00pm. The line to receive blessing starts at 1:00pm, at Father Serra Park between Alameda St and Los Angeles Street. Archbishop Gomez will begin the blessings at 2:00pm.
El Pueblo Historic Park
125 Paseo De La Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 628-1274
www.olveraevents.com
All pics from olveraevents.com
Written by: Courtney Gilmore @ogofcbd