You’re now on Olvera Street, one of downtown Los Angeles’ most iconic streets. It was originally called Wine Street, named for the vineyards and wine trade that once thrived here, and was renamed in 1877 to honor Agustín Olvera, a nineteenth-century lawyer and politician who played a key role during the transition from Mexican to American rule. Often recognized as the first judge of Los Angeles County Superior Court after California became part of the United States, he helped adapt local institutions to the American legal system while staying deeply connected to the area’s Hispanic heritage. For many years, the street was neglected and at risk of disappearing, until the late 20s, when Christine Sterling launched a preservation campaign centered on the Ávila Adobe, the oldest surviving house here. Her efforts led to the creation of a “Mexican marketplace,” which opened on Easter Sunday 1930, turning Olvera Street into a showcase of Mexican and Hispanic heritage. Today, the street is lined with craft stalls, cafés, and restaurants, alongside major historic buildings that reflect both the Mexican and American periods. The result is a lively setting where history, tradition, and cultural presentation come together, brought to life throughout the year by popular celebrations like Día de los Muertos and Las Posadas.