Sabbatikos

When we went to Philippe – The Original French Dipped we also wanted to visit nearby Olvera Street. At the time it was hot and we were on our way to see the Keith Haring exhibit at The Broad. We decided to save Olvera Street for another day. And that day was today!

Olvera Street, often referred to as the birthplace of Los Angeles, is a historic cultural hub located near downtown LA. It is the center of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, a preservation celebrating the city’s Mexican and Spanish heritage. What began in 1781 as a humble settlement of 44 settlers, known as “Los Pobladores,” has blossomed into a vibrant marketplace brimming with Mexican culture.

Olvera Street’s atmosphere is filled with colorful crafts and the enticing aroma of authentic Mexican food. The narrow brick walkway of the street is lined with stalls offering traditional Mexican goods like pottery, leatherwork, and textiles, alongside restaurants serving iconic dishes such as tamales, tacos, and enchiladas. We wander the stalls and explored for last minute Christmas gifts in the adjacent stores.

One notable site on Olvera Street is the Ávila Adobe, the oldest standing home in Los angeles, dating from 1818. This historic structure is a good example of early California architecture, featuring thick adobe walls, a central courtyard, and traditional furnishings. Once home to Ávila, the former mayor of Los Angeles, the adobe has served various purposes over the centuries, including as military headquarters during the Mexican-American War. Today, it operates as a museum, free to the public, offering a glimpse into the local past. It reminded me of the Viña Santa Rita we visited in Chile.

Today, Olvera Street bridges the past and present (and is a good place to buy presents) as a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers a mix of history, tourism, culture and cuisine.