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Boyle Heights’ Casa del Mexicano

Lupe Legaspi, 33, of Montebello helps decorate the Casa del Mexicano, which recently opened its doors to the public for the first time since the new owner, the East Los Angeles Community Corp., took over the historic building where the Mexican elite once came to dance and be seen.

Lupe Legaspi, 33, of Montebello helps decorate the Casa del Mexicano, which recently opened its doors to the public for the first time since the new owner, the East Los Angeles Community Corp., took over the historic building where the Mexican elite once came to dance and be seen.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

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The Casa del Mexicano, an 82-year-old cultural center in Boyle Heights, recently reopened its doors for this year’s Christmas posadas. A year ago, it had narrowly escaped foreclosure. See ‘Boyle Heights’ Casa del Mexicano is rising again’

Ornaments

Aldo Medina, 24, of El Monte stands on a ladder while helping to decorate the Casa del Mexicano for recent Christmas festivities. The interior walls are covered with murals painted by an artist who lived in the building for a couple of years.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Tinsel

Elba Serrano, 33, of Los Angeles decorates a railing in front of the Casa del Mexicano.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Smiles

Nora Lopez, left, daughter Lindsey, 2 1/2, middle, and Govani Lopez, right, enjoy festivities at Casa del Mexicano.   (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Ritual

Rigo Vakdez, 40, of Los Angeles participates in a Christmas ritual that concluded at Casal del Mexicano.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Tiny actress

Netzi Mendez, 2, of Boyle Heights climbs on stage during a performance at Casa del Mexicano. Residents have high hopes for the future of the cultural center under its new ownership.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Murals

Hundreds gather for Christmas festivities under walls and ceilings covered with murals at Casa del Mexicano.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Happy

Miguel Cabildo, 92, is among those enjoying a recent evening at Casa del Mexicano.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Proud

Adalberto Lopez holds his guitarron as hundreds gather at Casa del Mexicano for a Christmas event.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

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