For the second year in a row, we had the pleasure of joining the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony at Olvera Street / La Placita in Downtown Los Angeles.
Following tradition, the event landed on the Saturday preceding Easter Sunday. Set up alongside SNP LA and Kitty Bungalow, our booth was never empty! We had visitors from all over Los Angeles County stopping by to learn about what FixNation is all about. Every kitty at the festival stopped by to say hi and we were even able to sign up some of these kitties for spay/neuter appointments!
There were more than 3,000 people estimated at this year’s festival, all lined up to get their animals blessed by Cardinal Roger Mahony. This blessing, some believe, will bring their animals good health throughout the year. Prior to the Blessing Ceremony, a procession traveled down Los Angeles Street and around Olvera Plaza, led by a cow, decorated in flowers. It is said that this cow leads the procession because it is she that brings most to humanity. A diverse cross-section of the animal kingdom was represented; cats, dogs, birds, lizards, turtles, farm animals, ferrets and even insects! An Aztec ceremonial space was set up in the plaza that featured an exquisite cat copal incense burner.
We had a fantastic time! Special thanks to our volunteers that day – Heather M., Jesús S., and Chris W.
