The Southwest Detroit Holiday Fest runs from 1 to 6 p.m. in the Mexicantown Hubbard-Richard Neighborhood, along the Bagley St. and W. Vernor Hwy. corridor between 16th and 24th streets. The annual festival celebrates the neighborhood’s rich Hispanic heritage through a variety of cultural traditions, family-friendly activities, and entertainment.
Festivalgoers can enjoy cookie decorating, face painting, and Christmas crafts at Plaza del Sol, along with photos with “Panco Claus,” a fun twist on traditional holiday photos, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Local vendors will feature unique merchandise at the Mexicantown CDC Mercado Atrium, while horse and carriage rides will transport attendees between the Mercado and Honey Bee La Colmena, available from 1 to 6 p.m.
“We the People” will host a winter clothing drive with snacks for attendees from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center. The center also will have a Santa letter writing activity for children. Entertainment highlights include performances at Matrix Theatre’s Flying Cardboard Theatre at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and the Matrix Playback Troupe at 1:30 p.m.
The annual “Piñata Fiesta” kicks off at 2 p.m. followed by live music from Urban Tropical Band featuring Alina Morr from 4 to 6 p.m. at the MexicantownCDC Mercado. The Corpus Art Studio will offer a painting party and piñata-making activities starting at 4 p.m.
The evening culminates at the MexicantownCDC Mercado Plaza. At 6 pm, the traditional “Posada” procession, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging, will lead attendees through Mexicantown and conclude with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Mexicantown Mercado Plaza.