The atmosphere of a Mexican market is re-created with colorful papel picado banners and paper flowers in this original area of NIOSA. Celebrating the city's cultural ties to Mexico, workers costumed in huipiles, Oaxacan dresses, sombreros, ponchos and peasant attire enhance the flavor of Mexico along with the musical entertainment. Cascarones originated at NIOSA in 1959 and are now a Fiesta staple; the sale of these confetti eggs at NIOSA has contributed approximately $605,145 for historic preservation projects since they were introduced.