Latin American Festival

Experience Authentic Folk Art, Crafts, Entertainment and More at Bazaar del Mundo’s Latin American Festival and Mata Ortiz Pottery Market in Old Town Annual Event Returns to Bazaar del Mundo, August 5-7

Artists hailing from all over Latin America will convene at Old Town’s iconic Bazaar del Mundo to create one of the nation’s largest collections of genuine Latin American folk art. The annual Latin American Festival & Mata Ortiz Pottery Market will be in full swing from August 5-7.

More than a dozen Latin American master artisans will travel north from Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador and Ecuador and beyond, to host booths full of traditional embroidered clothing, handwoven textiles, unique collectibles, dazzling jewelry, handmade ceramic and clay pottery and more during the beloved local event.


The free event will be held August 5-7, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Mata Ortiz pottery, a centuries-old art form renowned for its detailed process and hand-painted geometric and ancestral symbols, will be a highlight the event with skilled potters showcasing their skills and wares. 

Some of this year’s visiting artists include:

  • Pedro Montaño: A Oaxacan weaver from Teotitlan del Valle showcasing marvelous wool rugs and runners in both traditional and contemporary Mexican designs, and performing demonstrations on his handmade loom.
  • Lorena Chavez Rosa: A visual artist born and raised in Mexico who creates contemporary sculptures to celebrate nature including intricate flowers, insects and humans.
  • Kim Yubeta: A statement-making jeweler who creates colorful, beaded necklaces and bracelets reminiscent that combines antiques and contemporary components and different Latin American cultures.

Throughout the weekend, guests will experience live demonstrations by artists who will showcase traditional skills, such as woodcarving, painting and weaving. Neighboring restaurant Casa Guadalajara will also offer delicious traditional Mexican food for purchase alongside authentic Aguas Frescas fruit drinks. 

The annual event will also feature live performances by TINKU, a Latin American folk band, Folkloric dancers and strolling mariachis. Inside the Bazaar del Mundo Shops, located at 4133 Taylor Street in Old Town, shelves will be overflowing with gifts and goods imported from Mexico and Latin America, as well as a myriad of books on travel, culture, architecture, arts, crafts and food.

Live demonstrations by artists will showcase traditional skills, such as woodcarving, painting and weaving. Guests will also be entertained by performances from a large group of Mexican Chinelos dancers and Latin American folk music band.
Delicious traditional Mexican Street Tacos and other authentic food will be on sale from neighboring Casa Guadalajara restaurant.
This year’s visiting artists include a returning favorite, Jacobo Angeles, known for his Oaxacan wood carvings. His traditional alebrijes (Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures) were featured in Disney’s much-celebrated animated film, “Coco,” for which Jacobo was one of the movie’s consultants. His wife, Maria Angeles, also participates in the completion of his magnificent creations with her exquisite and meticulous painting of these one of a kind creatures.

Additional artists include:

•Prudencio Guzman:A new addition to the festival this year, Guzman’s work includes colorful, imaginative clay sculptured figures from Mexico.

•Pedro and Diego Montaño: Oaxacan weavers from Teotitlan del Valle showcasing marvelous wool rugs and runners in both traditional and contemporary Mexican designs, and performing demonstrations on handmade looms.

•Jorge Quintana: A principal Mata Ortiz artist whose work has been displayed in museums all over the world and included in many of the major books on Mexican folk art.

•Saul Yuritica: A Peruvian artist specializing in traditional reverse-painted mirrors and wall hangings.

Inside the Bazaar del Mundo Shops, located at 4133 Taylor Street in Old Town, shelves will be brimming with gifts and goods imported from Mexico and Latin America, as well as a myriad of books on travel, culture, architecture, arts, crafts and food.

About Bazaar del Mundo
Opened in 1971, Bazaar del Mundo has long been hailed as one of the best shopping environments in San Diego, overflowing with hand-selected and handcrafted gifts and treasures that are unique in all the world. Carefully curated by owner-operator Diane Powers and her long-time staff, the Bazaar del Mundo Shops pay homage to the globe’s most distinctive cultures with bold and ever-colorful merchandise. For more information, visit www.bazaardelmundo.com.

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