The Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado is no longer a best-kept secret in Santa Barbara. This cherished event, hosted by the Our Lady of Guadalupe church, has been a staple of the community for years, taking place during the Fiesta celebrations.
A Celebration of Culture and Faith
The 3-day Mercado offers a wide range of activities, including music, dancing, and traditional food prepared by the best cooks in the congregation. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a White Elephant sale, participate in a raffle, and engage in various games.
For locals like Bianca Walters, the Mercado is an annual tradition that embodies the spirit of community and faith. "I always come every year to celebrate Fiesta at Our Lady of Guadalupe, I love the food, the music, the culture, the atmosphere," she expressed.
Anthony Rodriguez, who works with the church, highlighted the importance of tradition and family in the event. "The best thing about it is seeing everybody who comes every year, it is about tradition and it is about family," he said.
The event has also drawn the attention of local leaders, such as California State Senator Monique Limón, who stopped by to purchase some of the delicious food on offer.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Mercado is located on the corner of Nopal and Montecito Streets in Santa Barbara and runs through Sunday evening. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the church’s community outreach programs.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.