The 3rd Annual Chicago Arabesque Festival was held June 24-27, 2009 at the Daley Plaza, in downtown Chicago.
Chicago Arabesque is proudly presented by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs. Chicago Arabesque offers a dynamic celebration and exploration of the art, cuisine, culture, music, and dance of the Arab world in the heart of the city.
I discovered and subsequently purchased these well-designed Tula hats at the Overland shop in Santa Fe, NM. Tula hats are handwoven palm hats from Mexico and had been tested for excellent UPF protection by Cal Poly Tech. These hats have been given the UPF 50+ rating, which is excellent for sun protection. These hats are not just excellent protection from the harsh sun, but they are also made of sustainable fiber harvested twice a year from the warm coastal areas in Mexico. For more info., also visit the Tula Hats website.
Today is Day One of the Santa Fe Indian Market. Avid art collectors, visiting tourists and other enthusiastic locals get started for what is Santa Fe's largest annual event. Native Americans and urban cowboys and cowgirls don their full Southwestern regalia. Finally, the Indian Market is here in full swing.
Crafts from Oaxaca, called "Alebrijes", are painted wood carvings made from Copal wood. They have become an international craze. It's reportedly the best-selling Mexican folk art in the United States.
Hanging paper mache fruits and veggies display a splash of vegifrutopia!
