Bash at the Birthplace

Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday . . . Los Angeles.

This week, the City of Angels turns 213. So put on that party hat, grab a balloon and join the celebration Monday at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument near Downtown--the city’s birthplace.

The daylong Labor Day festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast served by Boy Scout Troop 364. An hour later, Los Pobladores, descendants of the original settlers who founded El Pueblo de Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 1781, are scheduled to reach the monument from a walk that will start at 6:30 a.m. at the San Gabriel Mission, said Tamryn Stoll, park curator.

The party continues with a cake-cutting ceremony, stage performances and a Los Angeles Fire Department rescue drill from atop the Pico Hotel--built in 1870 by Don Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California.

Tour guides, dressed to resemble historical characters such as Pico and Philipe DeNeve, the Spaniard who founded Los Angeles, will show visitors El Pueblo’s Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Native American and African American influences, she said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about L.A.’s history and do it in a very fun way,” Stoll said.

Los Angeles’ 213th Birthday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, 125 Paseo de la Plaza. All events free except the 8:30 a.m. breakfast, which costs $6. Information: (213) 680-2821.