Olverita’s Village or “Olveritas” is a family owned retail store located in the historic Olvera Street, the Birthplace of Los Angeles where for more than 25 years we have been catering Folklorico Costumes, Accessories, Folk Art and Crafts to local and national dance groups, teachers, and celebrities.
About Olvera Street
Olvera Street or also known as “Calle Olvera” is located in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles, California, and is part of the “El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument.” Many Latinos refer to it as “La Placita Olvera.” Circa 1911 it was described as Sonora Town. Having started as a short lane, Wine Street, it was extended and renamed in honor of Agustín Olvera, a prominent local judge, in 1877. There are 27 historic buildings lining Olvera Street, including the Avila Adobe, the Pelanconi House and the Sepulveda House.
Olvera Street was created in 1930 “to preserve and present the customs and trades of early California.” It is also the setting for Mexican-style music and dancing and holiday celebrations, such as Cinco de Mayo and “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Many of the merchants on Olvera Street today are descended from the original vendors.
About the Owner
Martha Medina was introduced to the folk art business from an early age. She comes from a family devoted to folk art, especially, crafts from Mexican artisans. Her father owned a folk art distribution warehouse in the city of Tijuana, Mexico. And for 50 years he was one of the first Art distributors to Southern California.
35 years ago, Martha purchased Olverita’s in hopes to continue with her father’s legacy of promoting the cultural richness of Mexican folk art. Located at the Birthplace of Los Angeles and displaying an infinite array of merchandise, ranging from original guayaberas from Yucatan, to one of a king paper mache pieces from internationally renowned artisans like the Linares Family. Olverita’s has been the focus of numerous media articles, featuring the culture, art and traditions of Mexico.
In addition to her interest in folk art, Martha, has transformed her store in one of the top distributors of Folklorico Costumes, as well as contemporary and traditional Mexican apparel, for Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. Catering to numerous mariachi and folklorico dance groups both, local and nation wide, as well as visitors, Martha’s inherited passion for culture, has become an ongoing family tradition.
Today, her son Alex Vasquez and his family share and hope to continue with this tradition, which started two generations ago. With an ongoing legacy and the determination to promote culture at it’s finest, without a doubt, Martha and her store have played a key role in the folk art business of Olvera Street.