Cultura Markets bring culture and local vendors to the community year round
FORT WORTH — Cultura Markets organizer Mariah Zurita says everyone has culture.
"The more you see it, the more relevant it becomes, the more people feel included, and comfortable," Zurita said.
She created Cultura Markets in 2023, organizing just one market per month — and has since grown her reach. She now organizes about four to five markets each month.
"I don't just celebrate for Hispanic Heritage Month," said Zurita. "My brand is to help support the Hispanic, Latino community and anyone with culture."
"It's very much for the people and elevating, you know, small businesses," said vendor Mitzinta Pérez-Tapia, who goes by Mitz for short.
Mitz began her business Casa Nisia after seeing a lack of authentic artesanias (folk art) in the metroplex.
"It wasn't getting a proper representation here," she said.
She said her brand and Zurita's mission hold the same values of people and culture.
"All of my artesenias have a name. I look at them and I see the people that created them, and I think Maria is kind of along that, she's got that same kind of feel where, you know, it's very much for the people and elevating small businesses," she said.
Zurita has many vendors from various experiences, and various parts of the metroplex participate in the Cultura Markets events.
Sonia Arroyo's very first market was with Cultura Markets.
"I didn't know really know what I was getting into," she said, describing her experience with the Cultura Markets community.
"I was super nervous, but ever since then, for the most part, I've done about every single market," she said.
Watauga resident Jim McDonald made the drive to Fort Worth with his wife after finding out about Cultura Markets on Facebook. He said it has "a lot of unique gifts…that you normally wouldn't see anywhere else."
He said the drive was worth it. As a previous employee of a small business, he encourages others to support local vendors as well, to "take the time to come out and experience the culture."
"You pour your heart and, you know, heart and soul, you know, in time into this stuff," said Arroyo. "For other people to be able to enjoy that and really appreciate the work that goes into it. It's such a satisfying feeling. It's very gratifying."
"I love what I do," said Zurita. "I'm very thankful to have amazing vendors and supporters, and I would not be able to do it without that sense of community. So it gets a little crazy, but it's definitely worth it at the end of the day."
There are two more markets planned for September including a Cultura on Main event with Cultura Markets' vendors, classic cars on display and music.