From strolls through the iconic Mariachi Plaza to savoring diverse cuisines from around the world, Boyle Heights stands as one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant cultural hubs.
At the heart of this rich history are immigrants and their families, who offer a melting pot of stories, traditions and experiences.
The older generation of immigrants—their hard work, resilience, and vision—laid the foundation for this vibrant community. Their contributions have shaped the neighborhood into the dynamic place it is today, and their stories deserve recognition.
This photo essay highlights the senior immigrant residents of Boyle Heights, offering a glimpse into their lives and the diverse backgrounds that make this community unique.
Carlos Bacenis, 86, Mexico
Carlos Bacenis, originally from Yucatán, Mexico, moved to the United States at 16. He sells magazines and newspapers at the intersection of 1st and Soto streets six days a week. In his free time, Bacenis enjoys visiting El Mercadito, going to church and chatting with people in the community.
Maria Garcia, 78, Mexico
Maria Garcia, originally from Durango, Mexico, has called Boyle Heights home since she was 18. She enjoys living here because everything is close by. In her free time, Garcia likes spending time at the park or visiting “la marketa.”
Daniel Axinte, 63, Germany
Daniel Axinte, originally from Germany, moved to Los Angeles in 1980 at the age of 18. He has lived in Boyle Heights for the past two years. Axinte enjoys spending time outdoors, trying new eateries around the neighborhood, and hanging out with friends on the block. His advice to others is, “Enjoy [each] day by day. Whatever happens, just go with the flow.”
Maria Carmen Gonzales, 82, Mexico
Maria Carmen Gonzales, originally from Nayarit, Mexico, moved to Los Angeles “a long, long time ago.” She found it easy to adapt to life in Boyle Heights because the majority of the residents who live here are Latinx. In her free time, Gonzales enjoys going to the grocery store.
Mosh Levin, 73, Israel
Mosh Levin, originally from Israel, moved to Los Angeles at 27 with the dream of working in Hollywood as a cameraman. Levin enjoys photographing murals and graffiti around Boyle Heights, as well as capturing candid moments of the diverse people in the neighborhood.
Teodoro Cuevas, 85, Mexico
Teodoro Cuevas, originally from Cuernavaca, Mexico, moved to Los Angeles at 30 years old. He goes to Mariachi Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. Cuevas taught himself to play guitar 25 years ago when he arrived in the United States. After retiring from his job at a truck company a few years ago, he decided to pursue music.
