Held on “Fat Tuesday,” a great tradition for hundreds of years and an excuse to party. A day when the Olvera Street merchants hold workshops for children, followed by a lively and animated parade later in the day, with music, dancers, clowns and people in colorful costumes. It ends with the crowning of the King and Queen.

The traditional end to the 15-day celebration of the Chinese New Year which is held on the first full moon of the lunar New Year. A time for reflection and forgiveness when families and friends eat wonderful meals and exchange gifts. The Lantern Festival, sometimes known as The Chinese Valentine's Day, goes back 1000s of years and is celebrated annually in El Pueblo.

Always held on the Saturday before Easter Sunday, the tradition goes back many centuries. It honors the contributions that animals make to our society, and animals get blessed on this very special day. It has been celebrated in El Pueblo since 1930 and is a very festive day. There is food, dance, music, colorful clothes as all kinds of animals come to El Pueblo, to get blessed by the Cardinal.

This holiday celebrates Mexico’s triumph at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where an undermanned Mexican army defeated a more powerful French army. A triumphant moment for President Benito Juarez, which resulted in expulsion of the French from Mexico. This is a day of great celebration with bands, dancing, music, and people eating like there is no tomorrow.

A walk is held every year beginning at the San Gabriel Mission and continuing 8 miles to El Pueblo. It is to commemorate the founding of Los Angeles on September 4, 1871 by the Pobladores. Upon reaching the plaza in El Pueblo, a wonderful fiesta, featuring food, music and dancing is held for all to enjoy.

The famous “gritó” of Delores and ringing of the church bell by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo in the pueblo of Delores, which marked the beginning of the independence war against Spain, is celebrated annually in El Pueblo. A replica of the bell, which was a gift to Los Angeles from Mexico, is rung each year at the same time that Father Hidalgo rang his bell. Then follows another festive and happy party celebrating Mexico’s independence which was achieved in 1821.

This holiday celebrates the lives of friends and family members who have passed away. Private altars are made and spread across the plaza in El Pueblo in honor of our loved ones. The holiday traces its origins back thousands of years to the indigenous natives of present day Mexico.

This observance of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay before the birth of Jesus, from December 16 through December 24, is celebrated at El Pueblo every year. A procession is held on each of the 8 nights, followed by food and fun, including a chance to break open the traditional Mexican piñata, chock full of candy for the children.