Crunching Churros and Strumming Guitars in LA's Little Mexico
Paper streamers and leafy branches cast dappled shadows over this alleyway full of embroidered blouses, hot pink guitars, wrestling masks, and hand-painted ceramics. Olvera Street, or Calle Olvera, is sandwiched between Chinatown and Union Station in downtown LA. This little pocket of taquerÃas and craft vendors sells tchotchkes and treasures from all over Mexico. The scent of simmering onions, fried cinnamon, and fresh-cut wood wafts through the narrow cobblestone streets. Live mariachi music fills the air and the afternoon sun catches the sequins that cover their fabulous jackets and sombreros. Dig into a chile relleno burrito, try on chunky turquoise jewelry, and take a food-coma siesta in the plaza.
Olvera Street is the birthplace of Los Angeles dating back to 1781 and features dozens of cozy shops and restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisines. The colorful Mexican-styled plaza is a narrow street lined with with colorful food stands and shopping kiosks that sell handmade items such as shoes, art work, candies, clothing and toys from Mexico. Though the street is at the borderline of Downtown, Los Angeles, shoppers will immediately be transported to a place and time far from the hustling city to a quaint and tranquil setting of rich culture and tradition.
On the edge of Chinatown, next to Union Station, lies Olvera Street. Blink and you'll miss it, but what a shame that would be, since this is known as the birthplace of Los Angeles and is a shining example of what the city was like long before the stars of Hollywood made it their playground. Visit Pico House, the oldest building in L.A. The nearby stretch of original cobblestone road is lined with shops full of handmade candles, Mexican dresses, Dia de Los Muertos art and scores of knick knacks straight from Tijuana. You might want to take a break from the shopping and indulge in a margarita at La Golondrina Restaurant, which is housed in a Colonial building. If you're lucky enough to be around between December 16th and 24th, visit at night to watch the pre-Christmas "Las Posadas" celebrations, when you can join in on pinata bashing, carol singing, traditional dancing, or evening masses at nearby La Placita Church.
Paper streamers and leafy branches cast dappled shadows over this alleyway full of embroidered blouses, hot pink guitars, wrestling masks, and hand-painted ceramics. Olvera Street, or Calle Olvera, is sandwiched between Chinatown and Union Station in downtown LA. This little pocket of taquerÃas and craft vendors sells tchotchkes and treasures from all over Mexico. The scent of simmering onions, fried cinnamon, and fresh-cut wood wafts through the narrow cobblestone streets. Live mariachi music fills the air and the afternoon sun catches the sequins that cover their fabulous jackets and sombreros. Dig into a chile relleno burrito, try on chunky turquoise jewelry, and take a food-coma siesta in the plaza.
Submit
Add a Comment
