This article is from the Summer II 1997 AFRMA Rat & Mouse Tales news-magazine.

By Nichole Royer

The city of Los Angeles originated with 11 families from Mexico who settled here in 1781. Today the area that they lived in is a 44 acre park in the middle of downtown L.A. Here you can find the city’s first church, fire house, and theater, as well as many other historical buildings. At its center is Olvera Street, a block long pedestrian way which is lined with gift shops, street vendors, restaurants, and cafes. Many hand-crafted items can be purchased, including pottery, piñatas, tooled belts, and leather huaraches. As well as being a tourist stop, Olvera Street is also one of the city’s centers for Hispanic culture and many events are held there each year.

On the Saturday before Easter (Sabado de Gloria) Olvera Street is the host for the Blessing of the Animals. This is a tradition which dates back to the fourth century and the recognition of San Antonio de Abad as the patron saint of the animal kingdom. Historically the people would take their livestock to the padre to ask for fertility and health and receive a blessing. Today this ceremony is held to recognize the enormous services given by animals to the human race. Olvera Street has been celebrating this tradition every year since 1930, and they invite all animal lovers, regardless of race or religion, to join them.

This year several AFRMA members (and our rats of course) attended this event. The idea was, as usual, a last minute one so only Lorry Bowker, Nancy Ferris, and I were able to go.

On the Saturday before Easter, Nancy, Lorry, and I, accompanied by Spottie Guy, David Bowie, and Chance, met at Karen Robbins’ house to begin this adventure. Due to the warm weather, Nancy was volunteered to drive since neither Lorry’s nor my trucks have air conditioning. Nancy did an excellent job of getting us there, with only a minor scenic detour where we saw the Coliseum, the Midnight Mission, and two funeral processions.

Once we got parked and unloaded, David, Spottie, and Chance seemed excited to be out and about. Noses, whiskers, and ears twitching the looked around taking in the scenery. Chance perched on my shoulder where he could play peek-a-boo with people passing by. David found a more comfortable spot sprawled out on Lorry’s arm, and Spottie rode in style inside Nancy’s fanny pack.

When we entered Olvera Street, the critters were each presented with a ribbon to celebrate the event. All the activities were taking place at the other end of the street, so we headed in that direction. Olvera Street is very narrow and filled with people and vendors; the going was slow. This was further complicated by people exclaiming about the rats.

Every time we take our rats out in public is an opportunity to show what wonderful pets they are. Many people came up and asked about the boys, and most gave them a pat or a scratch on the head. For their part, the boys loved the attention and did their best to remain in the spotlight (the big hams).

Though we were told that things started at noon, the actual blessing turned out to be at 2:00. Since it was warm and the boys were getting a little tired (all that begging for attention can tucker out a little rat), we headed back to the car for their carriers. With the critters comfortably situated, we did another tour of Olvera Street, this time window shopping and searching for lunch.

Sitting down to eat gave us the chance to people and pet watch. This was lots of fun since there were literally hundreds of animals there to be blessed. In attendance were numerous dogs of all breeds, colors, and sizes. Also to be found were many cats who surprised us with their calm and casual behavior amid all the chaos. There were birds aplenty ranging from parakeets to the big parrots, and even a few chickens and doves. Reptiles were well represented with many huge pythons draped about their owners. There also were smaller snakes, some turtles in a wagon, and a big bearded dragon sitting in a basket. We also spotted several pot bellied pigs, goats, bunnies, and many other critters. The rodents were few, just our boys, a couple of other rats, some hamsters, and some cavies.

At 2:00 the festivities began in earnest. A procession of gaily adorned animals and their owners and the Olvera Street merchants marched up the street led by Cardinal Mahony. A cow, decorated with flowers and ribbons headed the procession. Traditionally she goes first since she is the animal who gives the most to humanity

After a brief and dignified ceremony, all of the animals were led one by one past the stage, where the Cardinal blessed each as it went by. As each animal passed, the Cardinal shook drops of holy water on it and chanted the following benediction: Almighty Father, we bless these animals for all they have done in supplying our food, in carrying our burdens, providing us with clothing and companionship, and tendering a service to the human race since the world began.

Throughout this event our rats were treated with the same dignity and ceremony as all the other animals in attendance. Though it was a fun and lighthearted adventure for us, and a chance to show off our rats, it also was a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to our special little pets. I hope to be able to attend this event next year, and would welcome anyone who would like to join me.

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