Market Square (El Mercado) as a focal point of Mexican-American culture

Market Square (El Mercado) is a three-block outdoor plaza and market in downtown San Antonio known for its concentration of Mexican shops, restaurants, and artisans; it is widely promoted as the largest Mexican market in the United States. The site regularly features live mariachi music, folkloric dance, and cultural festivals, and it is a major gathering place during the city's annual Fiesta San Antonio celebrations. Market Square has been a continuous hub for Mexican-American commerce and cultural expression in the city for decades.