Olvera Street "Dia de los muertos"

Olvera Street is located in downtown L.A.  Right across the very big street, Alameda, from Union Station.  Olvera Street is the oldest street in Los Angeles.  As a child my family would go the Olvera Street for special occasions.  We would look around then go over to Chinatown for Chinese food.  Hard to believe in my childhood the only place to get Chinese food was in Chinatown.  I guess I'm playing my age card on that one!

It has become a family tradition to go several times a year but especially go on Dia de los muertos, Day of the Dead or All Souls Day, November 1st (funny enough, my long gone mother's birthday).  My son is the one who began that tradition as he had a Spanish teacher who raved about it and thus another tradition is born.

In the Plaza people build alters and offer food and place photos and reminders in honor of those who have died.  It's been a wonderful opportunity for our family to discuss death and to honor our members of our family who have passed on.  It becomes a celebration of life not a downer.  We have a yummy meal (our favorite is La Luz Del Dia-the homemade tortillas are amazing) , buy some confetti eggs and then wait for the best moment to attack.

BTW to make a really great day of it, take the subway to the end-which is Union Station.  Walk through that wonderful station and then right across the street you have arrived...Olvera Street.  There's also an old fire house opposite the Plaza to add to the list.

http://www.olvera-street.com/