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Chicago's own Mercado Navideño

Published: Nov 29, 2010 · Modified: Nov 7, 2024 by Maura Wall Hernandez · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

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This past weekend I attended the Mercado Navideño at the National Museum of Mexican Art here in Chicago with my friend, Daniela. It's been awhile since my last visit so I was eager to see the new exhibits as well. But I loved all the gifts, decorations and crafts that remind me so much of the Museo de Arte Popular (of which I have only ever visited the gift shop) in Mexico City. I sent a picture message from my iPhone of the beautiful paper maché piggy bank to my suegra because she collects all kinds of puerquitos (little piggies). She loved it and said when I arrive, we'll make plans to go visit the museum since she couldn't remember ever taking me there before.

If you live in Chicago or are visiting during the Thanksgiving holiday next year, check out the mercado – it's typically the Friday through Sunday right after Thanksgiving. Some of the items were pricey (compared to purchasing the same item in Mexico) but for the most part, they had a lot of beautiful gifts at reasonable prices. And you can't visit the National Museum of Mexican Art without also making a stop in the gift shop on your way out! I loved the mini papel picado, juguetes and all kinds of books about Mexican art and culture. I may go back soon for some books on regional art and food!

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The photos in this post were taken with my iPhone 3Gs using the Polarize app by Christopher Comair.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. gizmodesign says

    November 29, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    @maurahernandez is that market every weekend through Christmas?

    Reply
    • MauraHernandez says

      November 29, 2010 at 3:16 pm

      @gizmodesign No, it's one weekend only. But they have lots of similar gifts in the gift shop there year-round.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Maura Hernández, an award-winning food and travel writer, recipe developer, and former journalist sharing my passion for all things Mexico. I've traveled Mexico extensively over the last 18 years and Mexico City is my home away from home. Here, you'll find a mix of traditional and modern Mexican cooking, along with my advice on where to eat, stay and play on your visit to Mexico!

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