Olvera Street By: Jocelyn pena

Project Description:

Olvera Street was settled as El Pueblo de Los Angeles in 1781. It is the oldest part of Downtown LA and a significant place for Mexican culture and history. My mom and I used to frequent Olvera Street when I was younger, and I grew very fond of it. I wanted my project to highlight its history and the lives of the people who work there, as well as serve as a platform for telling their stories.

This spring, I returned to Olvera Street every week with my mom. I learned more about its past and eventually gained the confidence to approach and interview the vendors, performers, and other people who I found there, an extremely difficult but rewarding experience for me. In collaboration with the amazing people who I encountered and photographed, I have tried to represent the beauty of their individual voices, journeys, and crafts.

Olvera Street

This photo of this exhibit at Olvera Street was photographed By J. J. Prats, December 4, 2018

Learn More about Olvera Street Here

Blessing of the Animals

Olvera Street was once the center of Mexican life and a place where people could reconnect back to their roots. Today, it continues to be rich in culture. (Image on the left) At the Plaza, a performer dances to the sounds of a drum. He is wearing traditional clothing and Ayoyetes on his ankles. Behind him, a couple of animals can be spotted as it is Blessing of the Animals Day, a traditional event that has been part of Olvera Street since 1930.

Nancy

Her name is Nancy Morales and she’s been working at Olvera Street for years. Having to leave her kids in Mexico, she came to the United States in 2007 to give them a better education. Although she has recently lost her son, she says that she feels peace in her heart because God has given her strength. Nancy is a loving mother, a hard worker, and an essential part of this community. In her writing she notes, “My story is important”.

La Cultura

Making Pork Chops

Even the smallest characteristics of a person can say a lot about them. Outside of the Casa California store at Olvera street, a man is working on a colorful piggy bank. While holding the piggy bank with one hand and a coping saw in the other, he jokingly tells me that he is making “pork chops”. This image reminds me that many of the items sold at the puestos of Olvera street are handcrafted and beautifully detailed.

Tortilleros Mexicanos

From the puestos, to the dresses, and the smallest of merchandise, Olvera street is extremely vibrant. There are bright colors everywhere. This is evident in this image of the tortilleros, which are baskets designed to keep your tortillas nice and warm. The colors red, yellow, green, blue, and purple are essential to Olvera street's art and culture. Color is an important part of Mexico’s history and part of what makes it so beautiful.

Ponchos

Herrardo

Herrardo has been playing at the Plaza at Olvera Street for 10 years but has been doing this since he was a young boy. He loves to sing and dance and provides an atmosphere where people love to hang out and move their hips to his music. But, he is not paid for his work and instead drives off of donations given to him during his time at Olvera Street. Below are images of people dancing at the Plaza who regularly meet at this place every week.

Appreciate