Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Olvera Street

Photo of Olvera Street taken by Jeff Hester.

I was sitting at home last week trying to think of a place that would really be worth your while.  After discussing some fun LA spots with a few friends, my attention was brought to Olvera Street. I had never heard of this little tree-lined street before, so I did some research and decided it was my kind of place. Located in the oldest part of Los Angeles, this street is nestled between Union Station and Chinatown, and it offers visitors a wonderful, cultural experience. Olvera Street is a marketplace that makes you feel as though you are in the heart of Mexico City. It was built in 1930, and approximately two million guests per year visit this hidden attraction. The following are a few reasons that make this exciting street a landmark worth visiting.

Gift Shops

One of the many shops on Olvera Street. Photo taken by J.B. Roberts.

The shops on Olvera Street are amazing! Murillo Leather is a shop that has been around since the street was built. I talked to the owners, Mando and Lupe Murillo, and they told me that all of the leather is made in the shop. Another store you should definitely check out is Olvera Candle Shop. This shop has everything from beautiful candles and figurines to hundreds of skulls that represent Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). There are several more shops that line Olvera Street that sell souvenirs, purses, wallets, decorative skulls and piñatas. Many of the shops were passed down from one generation to the next, and several of the owners have been working at their shops since they were little kids.

Dia de los Muertos skulls. Photo taken by J.B. Roberts.

Mexican Food 

Best churros in Los Angeles! Photo taken from Flickr Creative Commons.

I often seek out hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurants, desperately trying to find the best one. I can definitely say this street has damn good street tacos and churros. The best part is, there are a ton of Mexican food vendors and a handful of Mexican restaurants. When my boyfriend and I were looking for a place to eat, we saw that El Paseo Inn had a line around the corner to be seated. After seeing how gigantic the restaurant’s margaritas are, I totally understand why it’s so popular.

Entertainment

Aztec dancers performing on Olvera Street. Photo taken from Flickr Creative Commons.

Not only are there Mariachi bands that play music up and down the street, there are also Aztec dancers that play live music while dancing. Since Olvera Street is known for preserving its cultural customs, it holds different events on various days. Street vendors give visitors the opportunity to have their face painted, have a drawing done of them or have their picture taken on a giant plush donkey. You can also take a free 50-minute tour of the street and the surrounding area.

For directions, hours of operation and contact information, visit Olvera Street’s homepage.

Olvera Street donation box dressed as a colorful burro. Photo by J.B. Roberts.