The public is invited to experience life in 1800s Mexican California. Experience the sights and sounds through music, crafts, and food. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities; such as, corn husk doll making, adobe brick making, butter making and gold panning. Exhibitors will demonstrate historic skills including blacksmithing and cattle roping. Children are encouraged to take part in a scavenger hunt and compete for prizes. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
The Rancho Days of Mexican California started when the Mexican government awarded land grants to soldiers who had fought for Mexico in its War of Independence against Spain.
A unique and ideological time began on these large California ranchos. The Dons (as the owners of the rancheros were known) loved the outdoors, cattle grazing, and horseback riding in a land of abundance. The Mexican cattle roamed the hills and were gathered only for the great rodeos when they were branded. These gatherings turned into huge fiestas where the vaqueros (cowboys) performed heroic feats of horsemanship. This life was especially true on the Rancho San Pedro, aptly called, “Rancho Dominguez.”
The public is invited to attend the free Rancho Days event and is encouraged to take a tour of The Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum.
