Dia de los Muertos - The Mexican Halowe'en

The Mexican Day of the Dead is observed for nine days prior to November 2nd. This year, 2011, the memorial for loved ones started on October 25 and continues until November 2nd.

Here is a 1 minute long video of the beginning procession. I wish to remind all readers that this is akin to a funeral service. It's not a party, it's not Halowe'en, in the usual sense of American children going door to door to grab a handful of candy.

Facing Olvera Street from the Plaza.

Olvera Street and Union Station

This is the last of the pictures from Olvera Street and Union Station for Christmas of 2008.

Union Station Los Angeles Christmas 2008

2 pix of Olvera Street & Union Station

These 2 pix of Olvera Street from last Christmas (2008) are the last in this series. I will post a few of Union Station from Christmas, and that will be the last ones until December 2009.

East of the Mexican Cultural Museum is a place to sit and rest after walking around the Olvera Street area. I snapped a picture of the light standards in repair. The photo of the church is: La Placita Church. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Los Angeles, begun in 1784. 535 N Main St Los Angeles, CA 90012 - (213) 629-3101. After Sunday services, I have found good quality Mexican food in the church. On a nice day, you can get some of it to go and walk around. The last photo is the Pico House Hotel. Built for Pio Pico, Mexican Governor of California, the hotel was begun in 1869. It had approximately 80 room and at the time, was a luxury hotel. Since then it had dilapidated until it became property of the government in the 1950s. Since then it has been re-habbed, but is no longer in use as a hotel.

North passage way - Xmas 2008

Pictured is Olvera Street looking north towards Sunset Blvd. (Cesar Chavez Blvd.)

Olvera Street Christmas 2008

Click each photo for a larger image.