The Markets of Oaxaca, Mexico
by Ron Mader
Publication Date: 10/10/2007
Rocio Guzman Pelaez sells Café Maravilla from Pluma Hidalgo
Oaxaca City has some of the most popular markets in the country. While buying and selling is the principal activity at the markets, it also provides an opportunity for people to socialize. Locals gossip when they meet at the markets and visitors get a chance to get a peak of the “real” Mexico.
Buy Local
Responsible travelers should take note that money spent in these markets circulates quickly and supports the local economy.
What to Buy
In a traditional market, visitors can buy food and crafts. Meals are often available as are fresh juices. Durable market bags, made of synthetics and often embossed with a design or the merchant's name make excellent souvenirs -- like buying postcards at the post office!
Where to Buy
Bread - 20 de Noviembre, Pochote, Abastos
Ceramics - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Sánchez Pascuas, Abastos
Chocolate - 20 de Noviembre, Pochote, Abastos
Coffee - Benito Juárez, Multi-Bio Cultural Organico, Pochote
Grasshoppers - Benito Juárez, Pochote, Abastos
Sausage - Benito Juárez, Multi-Bio Cultural Organico
Leather bags, sandals - Benito Juárez, Abastos
Memelas and Tacos - Multi-Bio Cultural Organico, Pochote, 20 de Noviembre,
Abastos
Hats - Benito Juárez, Abastos
Rugs - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Sánchez Pascuas, Abastos
Mezcal - Pochote
Textiles - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Pochote, Abastos
Wooden Figures (Alebrijes) - Artesania, Multi-Bio Cultural Organico, Benito
Juárez, Abastos
Wrestling masks - Benito Juárez
Recommendations
- Bring small bills and change when you buy anything. Don't expect to get change for a small purchase if you are paying with a 200 or 500 peso note.
- Be time specific. If you are seeking produce for today or tomorrow, be specific. Venders are pleased (and at times insistent) in choosing the right produce.
- Don't block the corridors. Remember that the market is a work environment. If you're in a group or traveling by yourself, keep the corridors clear for other clients.
- Always ask before taking pictures. It's common courtesy, particularly for close-up shots. Better than taking a photo is printing out a photo from our Oaxaca Markets Collection --
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/collections/72157600045895538.
Find the vender and give them the copy. Be generous!
- Pay attention. Tourists in markets are “easy targets” for thieves. Lessen the chances of robbery by paying attention.
Oaxaca Market Project
The newly developing Oaxaca Market Project -- www.planeta.com/ecotravel/mexico/oaxaca/omp.html -- is an initiative of Planeta.com and friends in Oaxaca. We ask visitors to print photos (seen here archived on Flickr -- www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/collections/72157600045895538) and give them to the venders. This puts a new spin on the traditional "take only photographs" mantra by giving the photos back and raising awareness and increasing purchases of traditional crafts and local food.
What might be a rushed visit becomes a search for familiar faces and seasonal products. This guide encourages you to learn about the markets before a visit. Enjoy!
Choice Pictures from the Oaxaca Markets
Tejate
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/31469470
Good food
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/458244215
Candy people
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/39559299
Chocolate lady
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/314168487
Coffee lady
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/40585226
Salad lady
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/43821319
Mezcal guy
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/39559943
Juice people
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/507396938
Anniversary party
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/188862794
Pochote
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/47184475
Panchita market bag
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/128674980
www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/154898883
RON MADER is the Transitions Abroad Latin America correspondent and host of the award-winning Planeta web site, www.planeta.com.
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