Bienvenidos! Welcome!

 

Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” is a Mexican Marketplace that recreates a romantic “Old Los Angeles” with a block-long narrow, tree-shaded, brick-lined market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants and gift shops.  Olvera Street was created in 1930 “to preserve and present the customs and trades of early California."  Many of the merchants on Olvera Street today are descended from the original vendors.

 

Visitors from around the world stroll around the marketplace smelling the ever-present taquitos and tacos at the outdoor cafes, listening to the strolling mariachi music, and watching Aztec and Mexican folkloric dancers. The puestos offer handcrafted items such as pottery, belts, wallets, purses, leather, Mexican folk art and souvenirs.  

 

For holidays, the merchants go all out with Mexican music, dancing and celebrations for days including
Los Tres Reyes, Blessing of the Animals, Los Angeles City Birthday, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day, Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Las Posadas.  Olvera Street continues to be a major tourist stop attracting as many as two million visitors per year.

 

A 50-minute, historic walking tour of El Pueblo de Los Angeles is conducted by Las Angelitas del Pueblo every Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Groups of 10 or more should reserve by calling
El Pueblo's Visitor Center at (213) 628-1274.