6th Annual Mija Market brings lowriders, music and community together in El Paso
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Lowriders, live music, local vendors and family activities came together Saturday as Mija, Yes You Can hosted its sixth annual Mija Market, a free community event focused on celebrating El Paso while supporting women in the community.
The family-friendly event was held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cowtown Outdoor Event Center, located at 11451 Gateway Blvd. W. Cowtown Outdoor Event Center returned as the event’s lead sponsor for the second consecutive year.
Mija, Yes You Can founder Iris Lopez said the market is designed to bring people together, support local businesses and give families an opportunity to enjoy the day while supporting a larger cause.
“We are thankful to Cowtown Outdoor Event Center for once again opening its doors and supporting the mission behind the Mija Market,” Lopez said in a statement ahead of the event. “This event is about bringing our community together, celebrating local businesses and creating an experience where families can have fun while also supporting a cause that directly impacts women in our community.”
This year’s market featured more than 30 local vendors, food trucks, games and activities for families.
Among the new additions was a lowrider car show celebrating El Paso’s lowrider community and culture. Lopez said the car show was also intended as a way for Mija to thank the community for its support over the past six years.
“This is the first year we've done the Low Rider Car Show, and it's pretty much just like a big cookout,” Lopez said.
Children also had the opportunity to take part in a new Mija Coloring Station featuring specially created Mija coloring sheets.
The market also featured a full day of live entertainment. Local youth rock band The Painted Velvets performed before Los Chile Rellenos took the stage with oldies. The event wrapped up with Mike Guerrero from 92.3 The Fox Jukebox.
Even with temperatures climbing, Lopez said she was proud to see El Pasoans come out and support the event.
“I mean, it's hot outside. So the fact that these people are out here dancing, braving the heat, it just shows that El Paso will show up for El Paso because that's just how our community is,” Lopez said. “We love each other and we're all family.”
Mija, Yes You Can also offered a limited-edition Low Rider Mija T-shirt along with its regular merchandise. All proceeds from Mija merchandise sales go directly to the Mija Foundation, which provides scholarships to women in the community.
Since its creation in 2020, Mija, Yes You Can has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to women, helping support them as they pursue their educational and career goals.
For Lopez, the continued support from the community is what has allowed the Mija Market to reach its sixth year.
She said the turnout is a reflection of the way El Pasoans continue to show up for one another, not only for events like the Mija Market, but for the people and causes that make up the community.
