Exploring Mexican Culture on Olvera Street

     As I walked through the stands and took in my surroundings at Olvera Street, I was transported back to 1998. My mother took me to Mexico to celebrate my eighth birthday, and one of my uncles took us to the annual Independence Day fair in Torreon, Coah. There was every type of Mexican delicacy you can imagine, and an array of traditional Mexican clothing and toys. Of course, being a celebration of Mexican Independence Day, the photo area was filled with Guerrilla outfits completed with horses and donkeys.

       All of that is found on Olvera Street, donkey and all. It isn’t as grand as the annual fair I attended, but it definitely does it justice. You can find all sorts of Mexican artifacts like leather bags, shoes, and belts. There are also a number of different Mexican toys and games for kids. Mini guitars, Loteria a card game similar to bingo and wooden spin tops known as trompos are sold at nearly every stand.

A number of specialty stores are located on an underground level. One of the most popular was a candle store that sold all types but specialized on candles with religious images on them. There are a lot of great things to purchase on Olvera Street, but the number one buy is food.

Everywhere you look there was something to eat on sale. There were an assortment of Mexican dulce de leche candies with nuts and coconut. Freshly made potato chips, churros, and a variety of aguas frescas were available all throughout the street. There are also a couple of restaurants where you can get an actual meal. Tacos and burritos are a must but you can also find other traditional Mexican dishes like mole and menudo.

   My favorite two things to do at Olvera Street are visiting the Avila Adobe house and the donkey. The Avila Adobe is the oldest home in Los Angeles and was built by Don Francisco Avila in 1818. The adobe house gives you an insight to the lifestyle in El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles in the 1800’s. The adobe house is completely furnished and the public has free access. My favorite part of the Adobe house is the fact that it reminds me very much of my grandparents home in Mexico.

My second favorite thing to do on Olvera Street is taking a picture with the donkey. You are provided with different items such as mariachi hats, guitars and full guerrilla accessories. The donkey attracts almost everyone, not just children. During this visit, my nephew was able to take part in the experience and continue a family tradition.

   There are a number of ways to get to Olvera Street. On this trip I took the Metro Gold Line and stopped at Union Station. Olvera Street is located on Alameda Street and all you have to do once you get to the front entrance of Union Station is cross the street. What I loved the most on this specific trips is that I witnessed the beauty of different cultures in Los Angeles by walking through the Festival of Lanterns, put on by the Chinese American Museum, on my way to Olvera Street.