8th Annual Nacimiento Bike Ride, 1/6

2008's Divine Holy Ride:

The 8th Annual Nacimiento Tour Sunday, January, 6, 2008 11 am - 4pm

On Sunday, January 6, 2008, bicyclists and motorists alike will take to the streets to enjoy the eclectic and divine nacimientos of Los Angeles's Eastside. This year's tour starts at the Los Angeles River and Gardens Center, 570 W. Avenue 26, Los Angeles, 90065 at 11 am, with registration opening at 10 am. Highland Park's Bike Oven will offer free tire checks and sag support. This year, the Charles Lummis Home in Highland Park will provide refreshments.

The Latino Urban Forum, The Rare Times, Wild Women on Wheels (w2ows), C.I.C.L.E., Santa Monica Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, and Council Districts One and Fourteen are co-sponsors of the tour.

For the 8th year, the annual tour will highlight mini Bethlehems, makeshift barns and stables, and in one
setting, a complete living room reenactment of Jesus' birth and the arrival of the three kings. For many
bicyclists, this is the first time exploring the historically and ethnically rich neighborhoods of Highland Park, Lincoln Heights, and Boyle Heights.

Nacimientos, or nativity scenes, is a tradition that many Latino throughout Latin America follow during the Christmas season. This tradition takes place in the streets of LA where many immigrants and multi-generational families spend countless hours creating Nacimientos in their front yards, porches, on roofs, as well as in the home.

Nacimientos range in size, complexity, and creativity. Some can be a simple scene of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to elaborate landscapes with tinsel waterfalls, sparkling lights, and hundreds of pieces. Each Nacimiento reflects the creator's devotion to Christmas and can be very personal in nature.

For many Latinos, the building of the sets begins the day after December 12th, which is the feast day of Our lady of Guadalupe and they stay up until January 6th, when the three kings arrive with gifts for the new born king.

Listings and pictures of previous years' tours can be found on www.theraretimes.com.
The bike ride will be approximately 18 miles with frequent stops. Please wear a helmet. The 2008 map will be available online and at the registration on the day of the event.

For more information and/or suggestions of new nacimientos,
please contact Lupe Vela at 213-820-3680