PHOTOS: The annual blessing of the animals on L.A.’s Olvera Street
A calf collapses while leading the procession at the 81st annual blessing of the animals on Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. In the background is Archbishop Jose Gomez, head of the L.A. Archdiocese. The fatigued calf eventually was placed on a small cart and driven to the stage where the participating animals were blessed.
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Members of Ballet Coco, carrying their favorite pets, join the procession at the annual blessing.
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Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez blesses Sweet Pea the Chihuahua, carried by her owner, Isabel Alonzo. Alonzo said she first brought Sweet Pea to the event five years ago, when he was ailing. “We tried everything,” Alonzo said about treating him. “And we brought him here and he got better.”
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After being blessed by Archbishop Jose Gomez, this white dove was released to his freedom. A variety of fauna were at the blessing, including turtles, a goldfish, llamas, roosters -- even a ladybug.
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While her owner waits for the procession to begin, Nena the dog keeps a wary eye on a stranger.
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Archbishop Jose Gomez greets Chiquita and her owner, Marta Manriquez, center, and Heidi the Chihuahua, left.
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Vincent Hemsley, 17, prepares to have his rooster and dog blessed at the annual ceremony, which goes back 81 years in Los Angeles but is rooted in an ancient ritual honoring beasts of burden.
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