When it started on Olvera Street near downtown L.A. in 1930, the Blessing of the Animals was meant to impart good health to farm livestock and horses. Decades later, the annual tradition now attracts people with creatures ranging from dogs and cats to reptiles and birds.
And this past weekend, they came out en masse under a rainy sky to carry on the tradition — dogs, parakeets, snakes and all — and get their blessing from the archbishop of Los Angeles, José Gomez.
We spoke with people attending the blessing about their pets and what they mean to them. (Interviews were edited for length and clarity.)
Allison Cueto, with her brother Joshua, mother Jesse Guzman and grandmother Maria Serrano, on their tortoise, Bon Bon, cockatiel Charlie, and a variety of love birds:
“Since people started giving us animals, my house has become like a zoo, and we all take care of the animals. My grandkids are also fascinated by animals. We’ve had snakes and even tarantulas.”
Alma Cielo Livingstone and her Colombian red-tailed boa, Bigote:
“I met him the same day I met my husband. Bigote from the start was so charming. The man took a little while for me to warm up to. We’ve had him for 14 years. I dance with him, I play music with him. [Bigote] is a beautiful dance partner.”
Rosalio Gonzalez and Pepe the parrot:
“I found Pepe in July 2021. We were driving by and we saw him in the middle of the road after a few cars that actually went over him. I picked him up and he was still alive.”
Obehi Ehigie and her Chihuahua Shih Tzu Mix, Teddy:
“We realized a couple months ago that we wanted him to look really nice for his blessing. It's a special day.
“This is my first pet and he is spoiled like the first child. He brightens up my entire life. After any type of day, I always want to come home to him and tell him everything.”
Panchito Zetino and his turtle Anacleta:
“Anacleta likes to dance. She likes to pose so that people can take pictures of her. She's very intelligent.”
Evenny Argueta and her cat, Sindel:
“She's very calm and follows me everywhere. She’s my baby, I have to get her baptized. She means the world to me. I think me and her were meant to find each other.”
Sonja Rideout with her conures, Jodeci and Corny Collins:
“They're great companions. If I'm feeling sad or anything, believe it or not, they'll sense it and they'll make me feel better. If anyone were to ask me if I have any kids? I'll probably say yes and they have feathers.”
Genaro Ruiz and his chihuahuas, Paco Loco and Lola Loca:
“Everybody could use a blessing. Plus, my old man here needs one. I like them more than people because they don't talk back, they have unconditional love, and they're amazing. And they're happy to see me every day, no matter any circumstance.”
