Mariachi Plaza

I made a trip to Mariachi Plaza today for the «Barrio Boogie» event. I primarily went to see The Centuries Rockabilly band perform. There were lots of clothing, arts, and jewelry vendors, as well as food vendors. There was also a Jive dance competition. There were also some classic cars on display. Fabian Debora of Homeboy Industries was there painting on a canvas that was to be raffled off.
For the record: It would’ve been nice if there were more vegetarian-​friendly food vendors. It would’ve also been nice if there were some vegan food vendors.

I went on a Friday night thinking this was the place to go to look for mariachis for my wedding. Instead we got a bunch of dudes drinking and staring at my girl not really a problem but where were the mariachis at? We went to go eat around there instead.

This place is an example of community wellness at it’s finest.
This place has a night time farmers market on Friday’s. There’s also vendors that sell different arts and crafts. You can find some pretty authentic Mexican pottery here and other hand made items such as purses, bracelets, and Latin décor.
I’ve been here a couple of times and enjoyed some nice crunchy churros with loads of cinnamon, buñuelos, and pupusas. My mom and I went tonight on an evening stroll as we were guided by the awesome music the live band was playing. Mariachi Plaza is open to the public and fun for people of all age groups. There’s something for everybody.
As the band was playing I saw people dancing and having a good time. Elderly people really jamming to the beat and just living it up. It was like watching our community come to life in the purest form. It’s FREE fun for the family. It’s healthy, it’s something to look forward to. Peeps were dressed casually and others were really sporting that sequins and fish nets. It’s not a Hollywood scene, it’s pure culture, real raza just screaming YOLO en Español.
Big ups to the City of Boyle Heights for incorporating this to the plan. Our population group is at risk for heart disease and diabetes. The elderly are at risk for feeling isolated and depressed, but Mariachi Plaza helps the community come together. Whether it’s to buy produce, dance, sing, meet up with old friends, and make new ones it’s all positive. It’s a brilliant way of moving our community towards a healthier tomorrow.

The heart of Los Angeles pride and love is in Mariachi Plaza.

11÷8÷2013
Rossi H.
San Diego, CA
Whatchu think of boyle heights?
— — — — — — –
I think Boyle Heights
must be made of something good
because there’s a woman at Restaurante Santa Cecilia
whose hair smells of cinnamon and
whose brown eyes swim in milky pools of horchata.
Boyle Heights
I think that the scruffy old men playing dominoes
with their rickety card table heavy with tortas and beer
sound an awful lot like my dad and tio’s on those nights
when I’d fall asleep in my bed listening to them
laugh and drink, while I sung along to their oldies.
They will welcome you.
I think that if I were to have children
I’d take them to the farmers market here on Saturday mornings
buy them elotes and churros from Lorenas
and dance with them in the East LA sun.
I think Boyle Heights
is brimming with artists and thinkers, revolutionaries and lovers.
See them converge on neglected walls brought to life with vibrant murals,
reflections that bounce off the shiny instruments of mariachis walking by.
I think Boyle Heights
resists gentrification and is fiercely loyal to the people who thrive here
not in spite of its obstacles,
but because of them.
People who have spent their entire lives
turning those obstacles into the beautiful, rough tapestry
that I am so enamored by now.
I think Boyle Heights
heals people and heals each other.
I believe the soft soil of Proyecto Jardin heals battle wounds.
That an afternoon watching a capoeria class in the garden can cure a hangover.
And that a plate of its bounty cooked by women who
grind corn tortillas in the middle of the jardin
can mend a broken heart (or nose).
I think Boyle Heights
Is riding a bike across the 7^th Street bridge with the Ovarian Psycos
under a full moon (
).
It’s a fresh pair of Cortez and hoop earrings.
It’s daring the new kid to walk into Linda Vista hospital on Halloween night.
It’s stumbling out of M Bar at 1am, drunk off Micheladas
and taking the Metro at Hollenbeck to avoid LAPD
as ranchero music chases you down streets
that smell like carnitas and fresh tortillas.
Its the old fire escape where I sit and smoke a blunt
with a mix of sirens, banda and the words of Chavela Vargas
in my ear (edit: heart)
Mi amigo Rossi
Your spirit will come alive here!
Prance and dance and oralè here!
We will roll you in butter and sugar you and
Love you! and show you! and let you!
be you.
Rossi Rossi Rossi Rossi Rossi
I think Boyle Heights
you will love it.

They have a pretty cool farmers market on Fridays (not sure if all Fridays or just select ones). It’s a small market but you can load up on mexican food, sweets, fruit, veggies, peanuts, etc. They have amazing churros in a bag for $ 2 small and $ 4 large (the small is more than enough!). They also have some crafts like bowls, tarrot readings, etc. Sometimes they have bands and sometimes DJs but either way everyones rocking and dancing! Right on top of the metro gold line (mariachi station) it’s worth stopping by!

I’ve managed to arrive here because of the Farmer’s Market & festivals. Not sure who was behind the plaza’s design but it is a nice public space with dreams of my past trips to Mexico. Walk around & explore the little shops, eateries, etc in this neighborhood and you’ll see there is lots of love for this community. Don’t forget there are often Mariachis around for hire! lol
This is also a Metro Gold Line stop. I recommend if you come here for a festival take advantage of it as there isn’t much public parking around on those days.
Farmers Market Friday 3pm-​8pm

Every six months or so, I bring a group of my students here. I take them on a cultural tour of LA, minus the hoopla of hollywood and BH. We learn more a little about Boyle Heights and the surrounding area. While at Marachi plaza, we usually try to convince one of the mariachi groups to perform a couple of songs for us. We usually end up giving them a $ 20 tip or so, but my students love it. I guess this is also the place where people can hire a mariachi group.

Mariachi Plaza is a small replica of Garibaldi in Mexico City. Located right at the exit of gold line. There are mom and pop restaurants right across as well as coll dive bars. Mariachis are all over on a good night. So far I have been to a couple events here like Caminarte, El Merkado Negro, Taco Festival and others. Jack white was there for a small performance, how cool is that. This little spot has big potential all it need is more people in volved and willing to help. Sign me up!