Under the wide-reaching shade of the ficus trees lining the edge of E. 4th Street, flower vendors wrapped bouquets for eager sons, daughters, and spouses to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend.
Close to a dozen vendors, each with unique offerings, set up an impromptu flower market along the sidewalk between the blocks of Lorena and Indiana Streets.
They were selling flowers, gifts, and candy to pedestrians and drivers hopping on and off the 60 freeway. Sunflowers, tulips, and other arrangements were widely available. Teddy bears of all sizes, spray-painted roses, and other unique gifts lined the tables at the pop-up.
On holidays like Dia de los Muertos and Valentine’s Day, floral vendors regularly occupy the same sidewalks to cater to the Eastside community. Friday marked Mexican Mother’s Day, a holiday when Mexico and other Central American countries celebrate mothers region-wide.
Cars double-parked while others searched the busy block to score a space to pick up flowers for their mothers and other mother figures.
Buyers traveled from nearby cities like Maywood and Compton, while others from Boyle Heights and East L.A. made their annual return to the busy block to pick up the “freshest flowers around,” according to one customer.
Erick Lopez rode his bike to the sidewalk flower shop and left with two bunches in tow. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Celeste Lopez traveled from Maywood to sell flowers in Boyle Heights Friday afternoon. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
Felipe Herra returns to the area to buy flowers whenever the floral vendors pop up along 4th Street. Photo by Andrew Lopez. 
A vendor working with the Flores family business touts flowers to those driving or walking by. Photo by Andrew Lopez.
Most of the vendors planned to sell throughout the weekend to spread some love and appreciation to mothers in Boyle Heights and beyond.
