Mexicantown is located in Southwest Detroit. It is comprised of the neighborhood between 16th and Clark Streets and West Vernor and Lafayette Streets, in the heart of Detroit's Hispanic community. Mexicantown was established in the early 1940's by immigrant families that came form Mexico to work in the auto and steel industries. Today this community is home to thousands of people from more than 30 different South and Central American and European ethnic groups. This area is composed of many small shops and specialty grocery stores, community centers, libraries, churches, well-known restaurants and many other small businesses. Today this community is home to thousands of people from more than 30 different South and Central American and European ethnic groups. This area is composed of many small shops and specialty grocery stores, community centers, libraries, churches, well-known restaurants and many other small businesses. This community has an old style setting in a very quiet area of the city. Mexicantown is an important tourist site. During the summer, there is an "Authentic Hispanic Market in Detroit," known as the Mexicantown Mercado. Latin American arts and crafts, imported goods, Mexican food, fresh produce, Mariachi bands, folkloric dancers and children's programs are just a few of the activities a family could find at the Mercado on Sundays in Clark Park. |
