Latin American Festival to Showcase Folk Art, Jewelry, Textiles at Bazaar Del Mundo
The free event takes place this Friday through Sunday at the Bazaar del Mundo shops in Old Town San Diego
By Monica Garske ••
Latin American folk artists will bring their masterpieces to Bazaar Del Mundo in Old Town San Diego this weekend as part of a colorful marketplace and cultural festival.
The annual Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market takes place this Friday through Sunday at Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops in Old Town, at the corner of Juan and Taylor streets.
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The fest will showcase the works of artists from across Latin America, including Mexico, Peru El Salvador, and Guatemala – from art, collectibles, and pottery to clothing, textiles, and jewelry. This includes Mata Ortiz pottery -- an art form known for its intricate, hand-painted, geometric designs -- plus embroidery, tinwork, wooden carvings, weaving, and sculptures.
Visitors can peruse the goods at booths in the marketplace from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The event will also feature live art demonstrations, entertainment by Latin American folk band, TINKU, and food for sale from the Casa Guadalajara restaurant. The gathering is designed to feel like a colorful, Mexican rural market.
Per organizers, artists visiting the fest this year include Jorge Quintana, a Mata Ortiz pottery artist, and Jacobo Angeles, of Oaxaca, Mexico, who carves and paints wooden animal figures. Mariano Valadez, who specializes in yarn paintings and detailed glass bead art, will be there, too, as well as Yolanda Ormachea Velasco, a Peruvian jewelry artist.
Monica Garske
Monica Garske
The women of Threads of the Past.
Monica Garske
Eric Minella (l), Director of Historic Interpretation at Old Town, and Gregg Giacopuzzi (r), Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, know everything there is to know about this San Diego landmark.
Monica Garske
A blacksmithing demonstration at Black Hawk Livery & Blacksmith.
Monica Garske
Lettering, as seen at the site of San Diego's first newspaper print shop.
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San Diego's first newspaper print shop.
Monica Garske
San Diego's first newspaper print shop.
Monica Garske
The Mason Street Schoolhouse is San Diego's first public schoolhouse.
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It was built in 1865.
Monica Garske
Monica Garske
The Seeley Stable Museum dedicated to modes of 19th century overland transportation like the carreta (ox-drawn cart), mud wagon and Concord stage.
Monica Garske
For a short time in late 1868 to 1869, the Tanner Troupe Theatre operated out of the front upstairs bedroom of the Whaley House in Old Town.
Monica Garske
For a short time in late 1868 to 1869, the Tanner Troupe Theatre operated out of the front upstairs bedroom of the Whaley House in Old Town.
Monica Garske
One of the bedrooms in the historic Whaley House.
Monica Garske
A portrait of Thomas Whaley located inside the Whaley House on San Diego Avenue.
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One of many grave markers lining San Diego Avenue, just outside of El Campo Santo Cemetery.
Monica Garske
The saloon inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and restaurant.
Monica Garske
The saloon inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel and restaurant.
Monica Garske
Stagecoach Days is a free event that takes place every summer in Old Town on Saturdays. It includes free activities and historical demonstrations. This year, Stagecoach Days start July 8 and run through Aug. 26.
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The plaza at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Monica Garske
The plaza at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Monica Garske
The Black Hawk Livery & Blacksmith, still churning out fine goods.
Monica Garske
The Cosmopolitan Hotel is also home to a restaurant and 19th century-style saloon.
Monica Garske
The Cosmopolitan Hotel is also home to a restaurant and 19th century-style saloon.
Monica Garske
On any given day, visitors can enjoy historical demonstrations like quilting and silhouetting at Threads of the Past.
Monica Garske
On any given day, visitors can enjoy historical demonstrations like quilting and silhouetting at Threads of the Past.
Monica Garske
A longtime Old Town employee who portrays Mary Chase Walker, the first teacher at the Mason Street Schoolhouse.
Monica Garske
Monica Garske
The Whaley House was the home of Thomas and Anna Whaley and their children.
Monica Garske
The historical site is believed to be haunted -- at least in folklore.
Monica Garske
The San Diego County Courthouse operated out of a part of the Whaley House.
Monica Garske
El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town is the final resting place of some of San Diego's most famous early locals.
Monica Garske
El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town is the final resting place of some of San Diego's most famous early locals.
Monica Garske
El Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town is the final resting place of some of San Diego's most famous early locals.
The event is free; prices on goods, art and food will vary. The stores in Bazaar del Mundo will also sell items imported from Mexico and Latin America including travel books, crafts, and food.
