El Mercadito is Madison’s “hidden gem,” said Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano. The staff-run seasonal market welcomes about 400 visitors each Thursday evening to Centro’s outdoor plaza on Madison’s South Side.
The market features 13 entrepreneurs representing a variety of Latin American countries, offering unique regional artisan goods, jewelry, exotic fruits, fresh produce, hot food, and sweet treats. Showcasing these products is a way to celebrate the business owners’ cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, said volunteer coordinator Jovan Chávez.
“It has certain smells and flavors that are from home countries,” said Bianca Baker, Centro’s Event Specialist. “It gives a sense of home and safety to the local people in our community. It’s also a good place for others that may not be as familiar with Latine cultures.”…