El Pueblo Historical Monument

Join Hollywood location scout Lori Balton with CNN Travel as she explores El Pueblo’s Pico House and other L.A. landmarks! https://www.cnn.com//video/playlists/with-me-as-your-guide/

Happy César Chávez Day! Today we honor and celebrate a Mexican American hero in our nation’s history. César Chávez (1927-1993) is an icon for American labor organizing, who dedicated his life to fight for improved working and living conditions for all farm workers. It was here in Los Angeles in the early 1960s that César Chávez together with Fred Ross Sr. and Dolores Huerta formed the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). In 1965, Chávez, who led the NFWA, and Larry Itli...ong, who led the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee, joined forces to form the United Farm Workers (UFW). Some of their protests were planned here at El Pueblo with meetings held at La Placita Church. Many labor laws that still exist today are a direct result of Chávez’s bravery and leadership. In 1994, César Chávez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Photos: Los Angeles Herald Examiner Photo Collection, Los Angeles Public Library; United Farm Workers Collection; see image captions.

Congratulations to Lynne Thompson and her recent appointment as Poet Laureate of the City of Los Angeles! Lynne is an acclaimed writer and outspoken force who uses words to tell stories, bring communities together, and open up new avenues of art and thinking -Mayor Eric Garcetti

Bookplate from a book in El Pueblo’s collection showcasing the original logo for El Pueblo. From 1953-1994, the historic district was managed as a CA State Historic Park until the creation of the existing city department, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. The original seal highlighted the Kingdom of León lion from the Spanish coat of arms (1781); the Aztec eagle from the Mexican flag (1821); and the bald eagle from the Great Seal of the United States (1848).

We are saddened to announce that this year’s 2021 Blessing of the Animals at El Pueblo and Olvera Street is cancelled owing to current County & City public health orders. Traditionally hosted by the Olvera Street Merchants and El Pueblo Historical Monument, the event is one of our most cherished traditions. In the early days of the pueblo settlers, the La Placita Church priest would bless their livestock to keep them healthy and productive. After the 1930 founding of Olvera... Street, this practice continued and expanded to include all animals, becoming a traditional community event where people of all backgrounds bring their beloved family pets for the ceremony. Help us keep this tradition alive by sharing and tagging your favorite Blessing of the Animal memories and photos in the comments below! Photos: Man leading procession with cow, children and dog during Blessing of the Animals in 1967, firemen with horses at 30th annual Blessing of the Animals in 1967, event procession in the South Plaza in 1967, and youth guest with goats in front of Leo Politi’s Blessing of the Animals mural in the early 1970s.

Joe LoPiccolo Performs the ItaLiAn Project! A free Facebook live musical performance and discussion highlighting Los Angeles historic Italian communities. Thursday, March 25th at 7:00 pm Presented by The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles and Italian Sons and Daughters of America ... To register for this event click the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/joe-lo-piccolo-performs-the-it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rmYxoqOj24#video_1

Join the Los Angeles Public Library tomorrow at 6 pm for a free online "Creative Writing Workshop!" "This free event is presented by UCLA instructor Tony DuShane. Email [email protected] to obtain a zoom meeting link.... For more information click the link below: https://www.lapl.org/wha/events/creative-writing-workshop-4

A view of the Olvera Street cross and surrounding booths from the 1970s.

For #ElPuebloLA’s last post of 2020, here’s our version of how it started vs. how it’s going:'' A set of photos of the Plaza Kiosko looking towards the Biscailuz Building taken from the roof of the Pico House, 41 years apart (November 1979 vs. November 2020). As we look to celebrate the new year, we also look back at our history. We celebrate the growth and beauty of the past while looking brightly at our future. We hope everyone has a safe and fun start to the New Year!

Celebrate the New Year from home with Grand Park's "NYELA Countdown to 2021!" Hosted by Jessica Flores with free special performances by Steve Aoki and BIA. Enjoy this online celebration starting at 11 pm on Grand Park's YouTube page. For more information click the link below!... https://nyela.grandparkla.org/

A photo of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, also known as La Placita Church, circa 1907. While separately managed by the Los Angeles Archdiocese, La Placita Church has historically contributed to the rich history of El Pueblo Historical Monument through its traditional activities, such as the honoring of La Virgen de Guadalupe. This year, in compliance with the current Safer at Home orders issued by the City and County of Los Angeles, there are no in-person programs or related activities taking place at El Pueblo Historical Monument on December 11th and 12th. For any questions regarding virtual programming celebrating La Virgen de Guadalupe, please visit www.lasmananitasla.com or www.lacatholics.org/guadalupe.

Don't miss the "Skirball Hanukkah Celebration Online Program" Premiering on YouTube | Sunday, December 13, 3:00 pm (PT)... "Come one and all to celebrate the Festival of Lights online! Perfect for fans of the Skirball Cultural Center's much-beloved annual Hanukkah Festival, this one-of-a-kind streaming event features everything you’ve come to expect from a Skirball holiday extravaganza." To reserve your free spot please click the link below! https://www.skirball.org//ho/skirball-hanukkah-celebration

Happy Monday! Check out this photograph of the plaza here at #ElPuebloLA from 1880. Do you recognize any of the historic buildings in the background? Share in the comments!

Photo of last year’s setup of El Pueblo’s historic Nativity Scene on the Plaza Kiosko stage. First displayed in 1962, the beloved Nativity Scene displayed at El Pueblo is an Italian-carved and painted set of statues created in the 1950s. This collection of traditional nativity scene figures combines work from two different studios: Vincenzo Demetz Figlio and Goffredo Moroder & Figli. Here at El Pueblo, the historic Nativity Scene display is connected to the long cultural tradition of Las Posadas at Olvera Street. We hope you and your families have a safe and happy holiday season!

A photo of a past Los Posadas procession on Olvera Street. Do the two angels leading this traditional procession look familiar? Check out our post this past Monday for more details about Pedro The Angel on Olvera Street, and our ongoing costume contest. The winner will receive prizes including a mailed copy of a book by Leo Politi and a $25 Visa gift card. Good luck!

Today (Monday, November 2nd) is the last day to view our on-site outdoor display of Día de Los Muertos Community Altars! Viewing is available from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Please follow all COVID-19 Safety Protocols during your visit to Olvera Street and El Pueblo. Thank you for doing your part in helping all of us to stay safe! This outdoor display is free and open to the public, but will have limited viewing hours, limited capacity, and safety guidelines will be enforced. Fa...ce coverings and social (physical) distancing are required for everyone at all times. Furthermore, no eating, drinking, smoking, or loitering will be permitted in the Plaza Kiosko. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and refrain from visiting.

TODAY IS THE DAY! Join us online tonight at 6:00 pm for A Virtual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration on Olvera Street & El Pueblo Historical Monument. Date: Sunday, November 1, 2020 Time: 6:00 p.m. (PST) To watch online: www.DiaDeLosMuertos2020.com... Special Performances by: LA SANTA CECILIA TEATRO DEL BARRIO GRUPO TATALEJOS XIPE TOTEC AZTEC DANCERS BALLET FOLKLORICO MEXICO AZTECA TAMBORAZO AGUILA Y SERPIENTE This virtual event was made possible by the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Kevin de Leon - Council District 14, Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation (OSMAF), El Pueblo Historical Monument, and Jive Live Entertainment.

Looking to get active with the whole family while staying safe at home? Check out "Fitness for Pequeños" presented by Ballet Hispánico! Hosted by Community Arts Partnership Program Manager Mariana Ranz... For more information click the link below: https://www.ballethispanico.org//Therapeutic-Thursday-Fitn

Tune in this Sunday, November 1st at 6:00 p.m. for the first-ever Virtual Día De Los Muertos Celebration on Olvera Street & El Pueblo Historical Monument. The event will premiere online at www.DiaDeLosMuertos2020.com With Special Performances By: LA SANTA CECILIA TEATRO DEL BARRIO GRUPO TATALEJOS XIPE TOTEC AZTEC DANCERS BALLET FOLKLORICO MEXICO AZTECA TAMBORAZO AGUILA Y SERPIENTE... This virtual event was made possible by the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Kevin de León - Council District 14, Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation (OSMAF), El Pueblo Historical Monument, and Jive Live Entertainment. Artwork by: Pipiripau. Date: Sunday, November 1, 2020 Time: 6:00 p.m. (PST) To watch online: www.DiaDeLosMuertos2020.com

Don't miss the Day of the Dead altars on display at Grand Park! "Guests can experience, hear and learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos and stroll through 11 altars located throughout Grand Park, curated by Self Help Graphics in collaboration with their Noche de Ofrenda series of programs, including the annual Community Altar created by Maestra Ofelia Esparza and her family." Altars are available for viewing from 5:00 am - 10:00 pm through November 4th!... For more information click below: https://grandparkla.org/event/downtown-dia-2020/

Have you read the children’s book Pedro The Angel of Olvera Street written and illustrated by Leo Politi? It was originally published in 1946 and is still a community favorite here at #ElPuebloLA! In celebration of the holidays, El Pueblo Historical Monument invites you to participate in a Pedro The Angel Of Olvera Street costume contest! Submit original, creative photos (.JPG or .PNG) of you or your family member dressed in your best Pedro costumes to [email protected]... from now until December 17th. Only submissions sent via email will be considered. The winner will be mailed a copy of a book by Leo Politi and a $25 Visa gift card. Submissions will be posted here on El Pueblo’s Instagram where you can vote for the entry you like best from December 18th - December 20th. The winner will be announced on December 21st. Special thank you to El Pueblo Park Association for co-sponsoring this costume contest. We look forward to seeing you and your family’s submissions! Happy Holidays!

Today’s #FlashbackFriday highlights a past Fire Day program from May 31, 1970 with the Los Angeles Fire Department in the Monument’s South Plaza. Photo courtesy of Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Thank you everyone that visited Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation (OSMAF) and #ElPuebloLA's outdoor display of Día De Los Muertos community altars so far this week - they're on view in the Kiosko Plaza until Monday November 2! VIEWING HOURS: Thursday, 10/29: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Friday, 10/30: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm... Saturday, 10/31: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday, 11/1: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday, 11/2: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Also, check out some of our visitors' great Los Angeles Dodgers's gear! Congrats to our #WorldSeries2020 Champs! #LATogether!

Click below to enjoy afar.com’s article entitled: Great Places to Celebrate Latinx Culture in Los Angeles which highlights El Pueblo Historical Monument! https://www.afar.com//great-places-to-celebrate-latinx-cul

Please join us for a "Conversation with the Latinx Women of the Santa Monica Mountains" tomorrow evening: https://www.facebook.com/events/683023955919664 Join NPS park rangers Iliana Espinoza, Razsa Cruz, Xochitl Lopez and Ana Beatriz Cholo as they answer questions about their background, describe some of their experiences with the outdoors and the various career opportunities the National Park Service offers. This special virtual event was created in collaboration with the N...ational Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Unit! If you have any additional questions for the panelists, please be sure to send them to us in the comments!

Join us online for A Virtual Día De Los Muertos Celebration on Olvera Street & El Pueblo Historical Monument! The event can be watched online at www.DiaDeLosMuertos2020.com on Sunday, November 1 at 6:00 pm. Special Performances by: LA SANTA CECILIA TEATRO DEL BARRIO GRUPO TATALEJOS XIPE TOTEC AZTEC DANCERS BALLET FOLKLORICO MEXICO AZTECA TAMBORAZO AGUILA Y SERPIENTE This virtual event was made possible by the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Kevin de León - Counci...l District 14, Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation (OSMAF), El Pueblo Historical Monument, and Jive Live Entertainment. Date: Sunday, November 1, 2020 Time: 6:00 p.m. (PST) To watch online: www.DiaDeLosMuertos2020.com

Census operations are ending early. This is our last chance to be counted. Fill out the #2020Census TODAY! www.My2020Census.gov

Check out this article from "Brink.com" about "10 Unsung Hispanic Heroes That Changed History!" https://brink.com//10-unsung-hispanic-heroes-that-changed/

We invite you to visit the annual outdoor display of Día de Los Muertos Community Altars in the Plaza Kiosko from October 26 - November 2, 2020! Admission is free; see flyer and additional photos for COVID-19 Safety Protocols. Face coverings and social (physical) distancing are required for everyone in line and for viewing the community altars inside the Plaza Kiosko at all times. Furthermore, no eating, drinking, smoking, or loitering will be permitted in the Plaza Kiosko. ...Please see additional information from the Olvera Street Merchants Association Foundation (OSMAF) - #repost from @olverastreetofficial on Instagram: We are excited to announce that Olvera Street will have Community Altars on display outdoors in the Kiosko Plaza! We will have fewer Altars than years past to accommodate for social distancing. COVID Safety Protocols will be in place and we ask you to stay home if you are not feeling well. VISITING HOURS: - Monday, 10/26 through Friday, 10/30 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. - Saturday, 10/31 through Monday, 11/2 from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. We will NOT be having any live entertainment or other in-person festivities for Día de los Muertos this year. Please visit our website for details about our upcoming Virtual Event on Sunday, 11/1: www.diadelosmuertos2020.com

The mission of the América Tropical Interpretive Center is to interpret the contributions of David Alfaro Siqueiros to the contemporary Mexican muralist movement, his cultural and social justice legacy and his creation of the mural América Tropical on the wall of the Italian Hall in 1932 when he was a political refugee in Los Angeles. The center is committed to Siqueiros’ inherent belief that art is public for everyone. Join El Pueblo this evening as we commemorate the 88th ...anniversary of the mural and the 8th anniversary of the museum with a special virtual tour! Please see below for more details: Date: Friday - October 9th, 2020 Time: 6:00 PM (PDT) via Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/atictour-anniversary Zoom Meeting ID: 946 6396 4343 Passcode: atic88

"September 15 - October 15 The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs is celebrating Latino Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the legacies, traditions, and culturally significant contributions of Latinx and Latino-identified communities." "Click below for more information about their Latino Heritage Month Calendar and Cultural Guide featuring over 100 events across the region that celebrate and honor our Latino communities." https://culturela.org//city-of-los-angeles-heritage-month/

"The National Park Service and California State Parks have teamed up to offer FREE virtual field trips at some of your favorite parks!" For more information please see the flier below!

Don’t forget to RSVP for this Friday’s special tour for América Tropical! We are commemorating the 88th anniversary of the mural and the 8th anniversary of the museum! Please reserve your spot by emailing [email protected]. Date: Friday - October 9th, 2020 Time: 6:00 PM (PDT) via Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/atictour-anniversary... Zoom Meeting ID: 946 6396 4343 Passcode: atic88 #ElPuebloLA

Don't miss "My Roots, My Heritage: Discovering Your Family's Origins. A Geneology Webinar." Presented by The Historic Italian Hall Foundation This Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Facebook Live "Whether you are curious about your family's earlier years, wish to learn about your ancestors, locate familial villages, or compile the information needed to pursue dual citizenship, Italian American Museum of Los Angeles invites you to tune into this educational o...nline presentation during which they will be discussing topics such as; how to get started, the resources available, tips for genealogical research, and how to interpret historic documents." Click below for more info! https://www.facebook.com/events/673182300241728?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22page_admin_bar%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22page_id%5C%22%3A151524681018%7D%22%7D%2C%7B%22surface%22%3A%22events_admin_tool%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22events_admin_tool%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22[]%22%7D]%2C%22has_source%22%3Atrue%7D&utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=October_Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a holiday where friends and family celebrate and honor the lives of loved ones who have passed. There are many symbols and traditions related to this holiday, including Pan de Muerto. Learn more about this special tradition with this year’s Día De Los Muertos coloring page! Visit our website to access this educational resource and more: https://elpueblo.lacity.org/educational-resources

HAPPENING NOW! Join us on Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area's Facebook page!

Enjoy this video from the Getty Conservation Institute discussing the conservation of "The America Tropical Mural" here at El Pueblo Historical Monument and don't miss a special evening digital tour: "The Anniversary of America Tropical" this Friday at 6:00 pm live on zoom! Space is limited and RSVP is recommended: [email protected] Meeting ID: 946 6396 4343... Passcode: atic88 https://www.youtube.com/watch

Today's social media spotlight features this year's Getty Marrow Intern Elias Hernandez! Read below to learn more about him and the internship work he's doing here at #ElPuebloLA! Hello, my name is Elias Anderson Hernandez and I am the 2020 Getty Marrow Intern for El Pueblo Historical Monument. I am very thankful to be a part of the team as I am learning and practicing real-life skills as the intern for the History Division team, with an emphasis in educational resources. ...As an Art and Education major at UCLA, my goal is to develop additional free educational art workshops that help express the importance of El Pueblo's history throughout art educational activities such as coloring pages and cartography (map making). I am also looking forward to collaborating with future projects that involve research-based and art-related content to help spread the importance of the El Pueblo Historical Monument in the City of Los Angeles.

Click below to check out "Ofrendas 2020" presented by Self Help Graphics & Art. This online exhibition is curated by Sandy Rodriguez and features new Dia de Los Muertos artwork and installations by Los Angeles artists! https://www.selfhelpgraphics.com/2020/ofrendas/