Black Friday is approaching, but there's another holiday shopping alternative you might want to explore.
"Consumers can come to the Peace Market to buy handmade goods with fair trade practices, and also themes of peace and justice," said Esperanza Peace and Justice Center staff member Itza Carbajal, talking about the center's Mercado de Paz.
"For the Peace Market we have vendors occupying both the first story and the second story and our parking lot, and we also close off a street called Evergreen," Carbajal said.
The vendors are artisans who make a wide variety of one-of-a-kind items deep in Mexico, and bring them to San Antonio to sell.
"We have over 100 vendors in total and we have the largest number of international vendors this year," she said.
Carbajal said the holiday gift-buying experience should be, well, peaceful.
"To all come here and celebrate -- not just buying, but being together, you know?" she said.
The Peace Market is a family event and is currently in its twenty fourth year.
"We also have live music, we have food, and it’s all free," said Carbajal. "It is so much fun!"
The Peace Market is open both Friday and Saturday. The Esperanza Center is on San Pedro right across from the big VIA transit center.
- Learn more at: www.esperanzacenter.org
