St. Anthony’s Bazaar, San Lorenzo Fiesta among El Paso Kermes Making a Comeback

Summer time in El Paso is traditionally kermes time in El Paso.

Before Covid brought everything to a screeching halt, Catholic church bazaars routinely consisted of one weekend kermes after another from June through September.

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After a year of drive-thrus and cancellations, church bazaars are making a comeback, and cake walks, Loteria, and game booths are a thing again this summer.

They're not all back, but a handful of the more popular ones are and that's a good start.

San Ignacio de Loyola Gran Kermes

In addition to fulfilling the spiritual needs of the Segundo barrio, San Ignacio de Loyola Catholic Church (St. Ignatius Church) is back to filling El Pasoans' hearts with joy and tummies with homemade food.

The Gran Kermes, or Grand Bazaar, is back as an in-person event July 29-31.

San Lorenzo Fiesta in Clint

I'm told this is the largest of all the Catholic church bazaars. The "fiesta," which is going on its 107th year, is held on the grounds of the Clint church at 611 Avenida De San Lorenzo.

St. Anthony's Bazaar

For many of us, attending the annual St. Anthony's Bazaar is a Labor Day Weekend tradition.

After two years of only selling plates drive-thru style, the Franciscan Brothers recently announced the St. Anthony's Seminary will be hosting its traditional kermes this year complete with game booths, live entertainment, and those locally famous gorditas and glorious enchiladas.