What to KnowBlessing of the AnimalsOlvera StreetSaturday, April 4Free2-3 p.m. blessing; live entertainment from noon to 4 p.m.The blessing queue starts at the Pico House; people and pets can begin lining up at 1 o’clockArchbishop Jose Gomez will deliver the benedictions for each animal in attendance
While Easter Day may frequently feature bunnies and chicks, specifically the little stuffed toys that festively fill the baskets awaiting eager kids, the day before Easter at Olvera Street is very much about bunnies and chicks and dogs and snakes and cows and parakeets and lizards and an energetic assortment of colorful critters.
For that is when the Blessing of the Animals ebulliently occurs, a community-sweet celebration that will mark its centennial in four short years.
The day-before-Easter tradition has a few touchstones that returning participants and observers can look forward to: Animals in attendance will be dressed for the occasion, or at least several will, with flowers, bonnets, and other eye-catching accessories adding to the spring spirit.
Some smaller attendees arrive by a classic wagon, pet bag, or even toy cars; other critters are carefully carried by the humans who love them or stroll at their sides (this side-by-side entrance has been the case with the cows, horses, sheep, and llamas).
Mario Tama / StaffMario Tama / Staff
Festively attired goats are seen at previous Blessing of the Animals.
“While the blessing is rooted in Catholic tradition, you do not have to be Catholic to participate,” vows a message on the event site. Further: “ALL PETS AND HUMANS ARE WELCOME!” is another positive message.
Each critter’s blessing will be bestowed by Archbishop Jose Gomez; the animal’s human also gets to bask in the meaningful moment, making this enduring event wonderfully filled with emotion.
The benedictions are brief and sweet, if you have a fidgety Fido, though the line may take some time.
Participating is free, no ticket is required, and the queue does begin to form early, around 1 o’clock, at the Pico House.
In short? If you and your canary or gerbil or Pekingese or chinchilla or goat are hoping to join one of our city’s most joyful spring rites, be sure to arrive early.