Celebrations of the founding of the Mission have taken place since 1771 when the Mission was founded by the Fr. Junipero Serra and his helpers, Fathers Angel Fernandez de Somera and Pedro Benito Cambon.  They continued through vibrant and flourishing times as well as more challenging days.  From 1834 to 1862, the Mission celebrated Fiestas as a secular establishment.  Then, in 1862, a grand Fiesta was held to celebrate the return of the San Gabriel Mission to the Catholic Church by President Abraham Lincoln. 

The new Festival of Cultures which has now started in 2023, strives to celebrate all of you who make this community possible. We are happy to create a new history with all of you and a new legacy that we can continue to celebrate each and every year.