192 LA VIDA SEPTEMBER 25, 2025 | WWW.BESTOFPHOENIX2025.C0M | BEST OF PHOENIX 2025 construction work, live birds, shoes, first Communion dresses, watch repair, mani- cures, toys, religious items and thousands of other things. And on the outskirts of the space, a number of eateries serve fantastic food and drinks. Our advice: Block out a big chunk of time, come hungry, bring a list of things you may be looking for and enjoy exploring all Mercado de los Cielos has to offer. e e e B E S T Y E R B E R I A BOTANICA & TIENDA NATURISTA 6502 W. GLENDALE AVE., GLENDALE 623-847-9999 We feel supremely confident in saying that Botanica & Tienda Naturista LLC is one of the most interesting stores in the Valley. The shop is stocked with Mexican drugstore items, things like collagen face cream, weight-loss aids and pills for what ails you. And of course, there are plenty of herbs, both ones to use in spell work and tea blends for things like depression and lung issues. But that’s just the beginning. Botanica & Tienda Naturista stocks essentials for a variety of beliefs and practices, including Catholicism, witchcraft, Santeria and African religions. It’s where you go for a Virgin of Guadalupe candle, powders for luck or love, Florida water or a statue representing the Seven African Powers. There’s also incense, evil eye bracelets and so much more. If it all sounds intimidating or unfamiliar, rest easy: The staff is friendly and happy to answer ques- tions. e e e B E S T C H I C A N O S H O P BIG MIKE’S VARIETY SHOP/ HOMIE SHOP 1538 E. MCDOWELL ROAD 602-405-6493 FACEBOOK.COM/BIGMIKESSHOPINAZ Since the 1940s, Chicano and lowrider cultures have permeated politics, music, fashion and art across the Southwest — including south and central Phoenix. For Latinos who grew up in or around the culture, a visit to Big Mike’s Variety Shop on the corner of McDowell Road and 16th Street feels like walking into your neighbor’s house. Come in for the oldies music blasting, stay for the classic lowrider clothing, giant posters, accessories and displays packed to the brim with original Homies figurines — truly a collector’s dream. If you’re coming down McDowell, make a right just after 16th Street; you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the painting of the zoot suiter welcoming you inside. e e e B E S T C H I C A N O R A P P E R OGT OGT’s been rhyming since childhood growing up in Maryvale, and over the past 15 years, he’s evolved into one of the most respected voices in Arizona’s Chicano rap scene. You’ll catch him blessing mics at nightclubs, car shows and community meetups — anywhere the lowriders roll and the culture runs deep. His catalog isn’t just composed of street anthems; his work is personal. Tracks like “Proud to Be Brown” speak out against deportations and family separation. At the same time, “Apology” is a raw, emotional letter to his mother for the struggles he put her through growing up. But what really stamped his status? A co-sign from Lil Eazy-E himself. OGT is officially part of the Rich & Ruthless Records family, linking Phoenix to West Coast hip-hop royalty. He’s proof that you can speak truth, rep your roots and still rise in the game — all while staying true to the brown and proud movement. e e e B E S T L O W R I D E R C A R S H O W GUADALUPE CAR SHOW 9201 S. AVENIDA DEL YAQUI, GUADALUPE 480-430-8446 INSTAGRAM.COM/GUADALUPECARSHOW Each April, the streets of Guadalupe trans- form into one of the most soulful car shows in the state. Centered around the hacienda- style El Mercado de Guadalupe, this free, family-friendly lowrider gathering shuts down several blocks and turns the town into a cultural block party — part car show, part concert and all community. The rides are nothing short of rolling art. You’ll witness sparkling Impalas, classic bombas and fully custom cruisers from across Arizona and out of state — each one flexing candy-coated or pearl-slick paint, polished chrome that catches the sun just right and interiors stitched in flawless tuck-and-roll. From slow-gliding hydraulics to slammed air suspension setups, these builds aren’t just for show — they’re street legends on parade. But it’s the soundtrack that gives this event its
