Mercado Sagrado: A Celebration of the Canyon Spirit

There's a new wave of conscious community in town. The online world has made it accessible and effortless to connect with likeminded people — but Instagram DMs and Facebook groups can only go so far. It’s the human connection that solidifies the reality of this network — and Mercado Sagrado is here to bring this mindful community to fruition. Founded in 2014 by holistic health guru, Heather Culp, she created the event as a means to meet like-minded people, but also have a reason to invite friends from all over to come gather in the enchantment that is Malibu Canyon. “The Canyon was a place with such beauty and amazing nature, but people from outside didn’t really know how to access it, so we thought we’d create a reason for them to visit,” recalls Culp of her vision five years ago.A natural change-maker, Culp also yearned to extend her plant-forward living and ethical outlook to others and knew Mercado Sagrado would be the perfect gift she could give forth to her community.Today, the annual two-day festival has grown to become an experience for people who wish to find deeper community, embrace personal expansion, and deepen their connection to the planet. 

Much more than just another wellness event, Mercado Sagrado has become a true celebration of the “Canyon Spirit,” which attendees eagerly adopt each year.

For this year’s event, attendees can expect the classic lineup of magical folks showcasing eclectic art and design through panels, demonstrations, talks, documentaries, and ceremonies. Aussie band, The Babe Rainbow is curating this year’s jams — serving as the ideal soundtrack for perusing the artisan marketplace loaded with crafts and wares from local vendors. Of course, the nourishment area will be brimming with organic and sustainably sourced food and beverages (psssst: be sure to stop by and sip on the fullest’s very own superfood Saffron Latte). Panelists include Richard Unger, the founder of the Institute of Hand Analysis, Boulder Master Builders will be teaching Sacred Solar Geometry, and musician Nico Georis will be featuring his “Singing Forest” sound environment (where plants generate the soundtrack).  The family friendly celebration even offers children’s workshops, so be sure to have your little ones tag along. The whole event promises to be a whimsical and colorful experience that will bring out your own inner child!And for those who cannot attend the annual lifestyle fair, Culp says the Canyon Spirit is always accessible: “It’s the place where you’re touching the sky but have your feet on the ground.”Mercado Sagrado is taking place November 16-17 at King Gillette Ranch. You can purchase tickets here. Emily Moore is an LMU summa cum laude graduate of Communications and English studies. She is the project manager at the fullest, and is an avid trinket collector, self-proclaimed poet, trail runner, and lover of all things found in Erewhon Market. Find her at @emmmmillyy or on her website.Photos courtesy of Mercado Sagrado.