Shoppers looking for an alternative to the Black Friday mobs at malls and shopping centers will find a unique selection of gifts at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s 29th International Peace Market or Mercado de Paz, held annually during Thanksgiving weekend.
This year’s market will open on Friday, November 23 and continue through Sunday, November 25. The yearly sale fills the Esperanza’s two story building, the back patio and spills out into the adjacent street with vendor tents.
In a press release, the mercado’s organizers say, “As one of the oldest annual open-air international markets offering authentic homemade goods, the Peace Market offers a community-centered alternative-shopping destination during the busiest corporate shopping days of the year. Local artists and artisans will offer visitors a variety of artful, beautifully handmade items including Oaxacan textiles, hand-embroidered clothing, folk art, organic skincare and soaps, jewelry, and more.”
While shopping is the main activity at the market, both days will feature performances by local groups representing all genres of music as well as spoken word presentations. There will also be plenty of food and refreshments for sale.
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro, presents the Peace Market (Mercado de Paz) on Friday and Saturday, November 23 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday, November 25 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call 210-228-0201.
Parking info: Free parking will be available at San Antonio College parking lots 21, 28, and 29, and the multistory parking garage. The Esperanza will have golf carts to drive folks from the parking lots to the market. Closer and more accessible parking will be available for those that need it at 920 San Pedro Avenue.
