Birthday Party for a Pueblo

In 1781, 11 families from Mexico left San Gabriel Mission and walked west to land granted them by the King of Spain. They arrived at El Pueblo de Los Angeles, where Olvera Street and the Avila Adobe are now familiar landmarks of early Los Angeles.

This weekend, both the mission and El Pueblo will hold celebrations--the mission celebrating its 223rd fiesta, Friday through Sunday, and El Pueblo commemorating the founding of the City of Los Angeles with a 213th birthday party on Labor Day.

The Mission Fiesta will offer carnival rides and games, food, entertainment and exhibits. Hours are Friday, 6-11 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-11 p.m.

Then on Monday, Los Pobladores, the descendants of the city’s founders, will make their annual “Historic Walk to Los Angeles,” beginning at San Gabriel Mission, 537 W. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, at 6:30 a.m. The walkers will arrive at El Pueblo about 9:30 a.m. for a party of mariachis, dancing, puppet shows, arts and crafts, and historic re-enactments.

The police and fire departments will send half a dozen helicopters over the festivities in a flyby, and give demonstrations, such as dousing a fire at the Pio Pico building.

A pancake brunch will be served ($6; children, $3) and at noon free birthday cake will be served. Events Monday to 4 p.m. Admission is free. (818) 457-3035.