The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will once again kick off the holiday shopping season in San Antonio with the 26th annual Peace Market (Mercado de Paz) on November 27 and 28.
Organizers of the Peace Market say it is one of the oldest holiday markets in the US, adding that it offers a community-centered alternative to shopping at chain stores and malls.
The merchandise at the market, created by over 100 artists, includes handmade items like rugs, pottery textiles, paintings, drawings, sculptures and more.
Over the course of the past 26 years, the Peace Market has promoted the work of scores of international artists from Mexico and Latin America. Two artisans in this year’s spotlight are Roberto Mejia Muñoz and Amalia Martinez Delgado.
Muñoz is a master of the technique called “popotillo” which uses strands of colored straw embedded in bee’s wax to create folkloric scenes with pre-Colombian motifs.
Amalia Martinez Delgado creates Mazahuan dolls.
For the past 30 years, Delgado has been known for her handmade Mazahuan dolls dressed in indigenous costumes and embellished with fine embroidery and weavings.
While shopping is the main activity at the market, both days will feature performances by local groups representing all genres of music. There will also be plenty of food and refreshments for sale.
“Locally, our own artisans reflect the rich cultural heritage of our city with jewelry, folk art, fabric arts incorporating Chicano and Aztec iconography and symbols as well as San Antonio sites and cultural practices. Hidden treasurers and contemporary art forms abound and an entire day can be well spent at the Mercado amongst friends, good food and performances,” Gianna Rendon of Esperanza said in a press announcement.
The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro, presents the Peace Market (Mercado de Paz) on Friday and Saturday, November 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call 210-228-0201.
