California’s Unique, Fun Easter Parades

California Travel Tips

California’s Unique, Fun Easter Parades

Published on: March 07, 2018

Sure, you have your Easter Derby or Bonnet for the big day, but what about your beloved pet? Do you have your favorite cow, horse, pig, chicken or iguana decked out for the Easter Parade? At the annual Blessing of the Animals in Los Angeles people bring all sorts of special (well behaved) family members clothed in their finest. Archbishop Jose Gomez of the nation’s largest Catholic Archdiocese usually officiates this lively ceremony on famed Olvera Street.

At one such annual event Gomez penned his impressions:

“I had the grace the other day to the blessing of animals on Holy Saturday, down here at La Placita. And it was interesting to see all those beautiful animals, it was interesting to see their masters, their owners coming to receive a blessing. Really, when we think of the Good Shepherd, it is somebody who is really interested in taking care of the sheep. It is not a matter of power. It does not give time for relaxing. It is day and night, caring for and loving the sheep.”