Blessing of the Animals set for Saturday on Olvera Street

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The 79th annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Olvera Street will take place Saturday. The free event, presented by the Olvera Street Merchants, is from noon to 5 p.m. at the El Pueblo Historical Monument.

A procession -- led by a cow covered with a blanket of flowers -- begins at 2 p.m. The blessing ceremony, presided over by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, begins after the procession.

Music, informational opportunities for pet owners, pony rides for children and a petting zoo will also be on hand. Dogs, cats, snakes (like the boa constrictor at right), turtles and iguanas have been blessed in previous years’ ceremonies.

Parking is available at lots on Main, Los Angeles and Alameda streets near the El Pueblo Historical Monument. For more information, call (213) 625-7074 or (213) 485-8372.

-- Lindsay Barnett