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The photo book “Those Found and Met at the Birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera Street” showcases environmental portraits of merchants vitalizing the Mexican marketplace, along with stories on the cultural artifacts and scenes from the site’s Dia de los Muertos celebration. Dubbed “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” Olvera Street was established by Mexican settlers as the earliest part of Downtown, long after the Gabrielino-Tongva people inhabited this land. Christine Sterling’s campaign in 1930 transformed the site into today’s marketplace.
A performer poses in between two stands during Olvera Street’s Novenario Procession celebrating the Day of the Dead in October 2021.
Armando Murillo, the second-generation owner of Murillo Leather polishes his shoe in the store in October 2021. Murillo Leather is the sole merchant on Olvera Street that still manufactures its products, following the same procedures established 52 years ago, he said. Having grown up on this site and learned from his leather artisan parents, he strives to keep their legacy alive.
Second-generation owner of Casa Gutierrez, Rene Gutierrez smiles in his stall in October 2021.
