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Photos: Olvera Street Hosts The 'Blessing Of The Animals' From Pugs To Parrots
Angelenos trekked out to Olvera Street with their beasts both large and small to be sprinkled with holy water in a Catholic tradition known as "The Blessing Of The Animals." The tradition in Los Angeles dates back 81 years, but it's rooted in an ancient ritual from San Antonio de Abad, the patron saint of the animal kingdom. Angelenos brought out their dogs, birds and even llamas, chickens, horses and other kinds of animals from the more rural parts of the county.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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