The San Gabriel Mission is one of San Gabriel Valley’s most valuable gems. Founded on September 8th, 1771, the San Gabriel Mission was established to provide a half-way point between San Diego and San Carlos Borromeo. It was the fourth mission in California, and though it has faced some damage caused by earthquakes, it’s now one of the best preserved missions in California. It contains many historical items, including the present altar, which is the original altar, and was handmade in Mexico City, then, brought over in the 1790s. It also contains six polychrome wooden statues that were brought over in 1791 from Spain, where they were hand carved, and, a 300 year old painting of Our Lady of Sorrows. Additionally, the baptistery holds a hand-hammered, copper baptismal font, a gift from King Carlos III of Spain.
La Fiesta de San Gabriel has taken place since 1771, though from 1834 to 1862, the mission was a secular establishment. In 1862, the Fiesta was held to celebrate the return of the San Gabriel Mission to the Catholic Church by President Abraham Lincoln. Other main events that have been celebrated in the past during the Fiestas include welcoming the Cleritian Missionaries as administratives in 1908, establishing the elementary school in 1912, founding the high school in 1949, and the full restoration of the mission and museum in 1993.
This 248th year, La Fiesta will be happening this Labor Day weekend, from Friday, August 30th, to Sunday, September 1st. It’s jam-packed entertainment, and their line-up includes Susie Hansen Latin Band, San Gabriel Mission Marimba Ensemble, Mariachi Las Colibri, and Inspiraciones de Danza Mexicana.
There will aslo be international food booths, games, large and small rides, a blessing of the grounds, a blessing of the animals, and pet and children costume contest, though perhaps the main attraction is the raffling of a 2019 Ford Fiesta, or $10,000 cash!
For more information about the event and raffle, please visit their website at httpss://www.sangabrielmissionfiesta.org/. See you there!
