News / Latin American Market
Latin American Market returns to St Paul’s for second year
For many South American emigres living in Bristol, the city’s Latin American market is a glimpse of familiar sights and sounds – food, crafts and music.
For some it is an opportunity to celebrate Latin American heritage in Bristol. But for very many it represents a cornucopia of independent traders who are trying to make their mark in the city’s diverse trading landscape.
Following the success of its inaugural instalment last September, the Latin American Market returns this year, boasting a wide variety of stalls.
The initiative is jointly organised by the Latin American Community Support (LACS) and Latinas in Bristol (LIB). Following the warm reception last year, the twin organisations are determined to “make it even bigger and better.”
The market returns to its usual venue near St Paul’s Learning Centre on Sunday, and will take place on every second Sunday of the month till September, running from 10am to 4pm.
Traditional Latin American food will be sold at the market
On the objective of the market, LACS and LIB said: “We aim to create a space where Latinos have a place not only to eat delicious food but also to reconnect with a piece of their homeland, where new connections and new bonds can be formed. And for those who are not Latino, a place where they can explore and get to know our roots.”
The event will feature stalls selling traditional arts and crafts, food and drinks, accompanied by live music.
Laila Garzon from Latinas in Bristol added that they were inspired to open the market after noticing a lack of Latin American representation in Bristol: “This led us to focus on creating this space and to work on other projects that focus on the Latin community while simultaneously ensuring the inclusion of the diverse communities in Bristol.”
Gisela de Bernardo, representative of Latin American Community Support, added: “We have been working with the Latin community for many years to create a space where we can feel at home, showcasing our culture, teaching our children about their roots, and striving to enhance diversity in Bristol.”
The market will feature crafts and cuisine from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and many other Latin American countries
All the traders and entrepreneurs are from Bristol and for many of them it is an opportunity to feature their business to a wider clientele.
LIB CIC (Latinas in Bristol) is an organisation that works to improve Latin American women’s lives in Bristol, while LACS is dedicated to improving social integration and combating social exclusion.
Both organisations are multicultural and multi-national where Latin American women from all ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, social classes, sexual orientations and religions are welcome.
“Last year we had a wonderful welcome at St Paul’s neighbourhood, so we are very excited to do it again this year,” they concluded.
All photos: Rigo Luchi
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