Diane Powers’ popular Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town is gearing up to celebrate its 50-year anniversary. Opened in 1971, Powers created a unique shopping and dining experience in San Diego that continues to attract thousands of visitors to the historical Old Town State Park every year.
Always a culturally rich and diverse region
“Since its beginning, San Diego has been a culturally rich and diverse region. That is due, in part, to historic businesses like Bazaar del Mundo, which has long been a celebration of the world’s most vibrant cultures,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. “Congratulations to Diane Powers, who has become a local icon in her own right as one of San Diego’s preeminent female entrepreneurs and most successful business owners.”
Everyone’s invited
Guests are invited to the “Bazaar del Mundo’s 50th Anniversary Fiesta & Marketplace” beginning Thursday, November 4, at 11AM with a kickoff celebration at 6PM. The Marketplace continues through Sunday, November 7.
Thursday evening’s kickoff celebration will include a proclamation and appearance from Mayor Todd Gloria, other VIP guests, mariachis, Folklorico dancers and longtime Bazaar del Mundo entertainer TINKU (a Latin American folk band), plus birthday treats, and other special surprises.
Guests can enjoy a lively Marketplace filled with colorful and elaborately decorated booths and a showcase of authentic handcrafted art, crafts, jewelry, vibrant Mexican clothing and more. Entertainers will perform throughout the weekend.
“This November marks a milestone for our businesses,” says owner and operator, Diane Powers. “We couldn’t have done it without our devoted customers and longtime dedicated staff, whose continued support has been the foundation of our success.”
The Marketplace will feature many of Bazaar del Mundo’s favorite Latin American artists, including Mata Ortiz pottery masters, Oaxacan wood carvers, Zapotec weavers, plus several local artists.
Artists include:
Pedro Montaño: Oaxacan weaver from Teotitlan del Valle showcasing marvelous wool rugs and runners in both traditional and contemporary Mexican designs and performing demonstrations on handmade looms.
Alessandra Thornton: An Ecuadoran Tagua jewelry designer showcasing her handmade pieces that are all created ecofriendly and vegan.
Gerardo Ortega Lopez: Gerardo’s bright and whimsical figures of clay include recognizable depictions of colorfully painted roosters riding bicycles, cats and dogs driving cars, and more.
Sara Yunuen Gutierrez Garcia: Sara brings with her a beautiful selection of hand-embroidered, traditional clothing from Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca.
Inside the colorful Bazaar del Mundo Shops, shelves will be brimming with gifts and goods imported from around the world, as well as a myriad of books on travel, culture, architecture, arts, and crafts.
See you there, San Diego!
