221st Birthday Party for San Gabriel Mission

In September, 1771, two weary Franciscan priests, 14 Spanish solders and four muleteers struggled toward the banks of the Rio de Jesus de los Temblores (River of Jesus of the Earthquakes) in the San Gabriel Valley.

War-painted natives blocked the intruders’ path, brandishing weapons and giving terrifying war cries.

It was a stalemate, threatening to break into bloodshed.

But when one priest unfurled a canvas, the Gabrielino Indians laid down their bows and arrows, transfixed by the doleful image of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Virgin Mary.

So goes the tale of the beginning of Mission San Gabriel, founded Sept. 8 that same year. It was the fourth of 21 Franciscan missions to be built along the California coast.

This Labor Day weekend, the 221st anniversary of that founding will be celebrated by a fiesta crammed with events and booths. They include a children’s pet and costume contest, the blessing of animals by one of the mission priests, bingo, carnival games, the crowning of the fiesta queen and musical entertainment by folkloric and mariachi groups.

More than 25,000 people are expected to attend the fiesta to sample pizza, egg rolls, burritos and pupusas in dozens of international food booths and to take a spin in the bumper cars among the carnival rides.

The fiesta is the mission’s major yearly fund-raiser and is expected to add $50,000 to church coffers.

Although the mission building itself is closed because of damage from the 1987 Whittier Earthquake, the Spanish-style gardens will be open to those seeking a cool, green refuge from the fiesta hustle and bustle.

Admission is free. The fiesta is held on the grounds surrounding the mission at 537 W. Mission Drive, San Gabriel.

Hours are 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Masses and contests will be held Saturday and Sunday mornings.