HOUSTON — On any given weekend, the Houston Farmers Market draws in a large crowd. On Sunday, they drew an even larger one for a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
The celebration was full of live music, food, dancing and local vendors.
“A lot of things like clay earrings, t-shirts, cups, a lot of bags. So many things that I make,” said the owner of Tiendita Bonita, Elsy Palestina.
Palestina also brings different items from Mexico and then adds her personal touch to them.
“You really don't see a lot of girly, a lot of pink you get me? And that's what I like to incorporate,” said Palestina.
She said it’s how she shares her culture with others.
“It's really important because it showcases where I come from, where my family comes from and just like the traditions in general,” said Palestina.
Other vendors like Liliana Vera feel the same way.
“Traveling to Mexico every summer. I remember seeing all these things,” said Vera. “So, I just remember, one year I went to Mexico, and I saw it all again, and I decided, we really didn't have this here. So, I brought in a lot of stuff.”
Vera is hoping to give people a slice of home right here in Houston.
“It makes me really happy when a lot of people come in here and the first thing is like, oh, I remember Mexico, I remember what we used to do, what we used to wear,” said Vera.
It wasn't just Houstonians at Sunday’s celebration, but even people from miles away. One group of friends visited the Bayou City from Philadelphia.
“We wanted to take a trip to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. We felt like we never get to, like, go out and do it and I haven't traveled in seven years, so I was like, let's go to Texas. Let’s see what it’s about,” said Stephanie Ramirez.
They said they’re thankful to feel at home in a different city.
“Like I hear the music. The people, the tiendas, stores. I mean, I can't wait to try the food. I hear it's amazing,” said Ramirez.
They’re embracing their heritage and what this month means to them alongside others.
“We offer so much, we’re smart, our work ethics. We have so much passion for family, for work, for everything, really. I feel like we have passion for everything. So it's everything to me," Ramirez said.