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OAXACA

Oaxaca City Markets
by Ron Mader

MARKET WIKI
MEXICO FORUM

Más vale paso que dure, no trote que canse.
- Dichos

www.flickr.com

PHOTO GALLERY: Oaxaca City Markets
SLIDESHOW


Oaxaca City has some of the most popular markets in the country.

YOUR TURN

If you'd like to take our Market Challenge: Print a photo you've seen on Flickr and seek out the vendor or artisan. Give them the print-out.
Learn how to say 'thank you' in an indigenous language.
Ask permission before taking photos.
Ask permission and take photo of signage, preferably eco signs! Add these photos with the name of the market to World Signs
Ask permission to take photos of animals depicted in folk art. Add these photos with the name of the artisan to World Crafts

More things you can do ...
Look for a food you've never seen before.
Eat something made with corn, chocolate or ... corn and chocolate.

BACKGROUND

Tradional markets include 20 de Noviembre y Benito Juárez, Artesanias, Abastos and Sanchez Pascuas markets. Newer markets include Pochote (two in flavors) and Estación.

MAKING CONTACT

While buying and selling is an important aspect, the other prime motivator of the markets is that it provides an opportunity for people to socialize.

Markets are vital public gathering places that provide a meeting point in time and space for locals to gossip and for visitors to get a chance to take a peak at the 'real' Mexico. Visitors see that markets are living museums and impart lessons that are educational and nutritional. They are also a good way to meet the locals and for locals to meet vistors.

BUY LOCAL

For responsible travelers, take note that money spent in these markets circulate 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.

Kitsch and loveable in the United States and Europe are the durable market bags, made of synthetics and often embossed with a design or the merchant's name. What better thing to buy in a market than a market bag? It's like buying postcards at the post office!

Other goodies - oilcloth, leather sandals, palm hats, chocolate and wrestling masks.

WHERE TO BUY SPECIFIC GOODS

Bread - 20 de Noviembre, Abastos
Ceramics - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Sánchez Pascuas, Abastos
Chocolate - 20 de Noviembre, Abastos
Coffee - Benito Juárez, Pochote
Grasshoppers - Benito Juárez, Abastos
Sausage - Benito Juárez,
Leather bags, sandals - Benito Juárez, Abastos
Memelas and Tacos - Pochote, 20 de Noviembre, Abastos
Oilcloth (Mantel del Hule) - Benito Juárez, Abastos
Hats - Benito Juárez, Abastos
Rugs - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Sánchez Pascuas, Abastos
Mezcal - Benito Juárez
Textiles - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Pochote, Abastos
Wooden Figures (Alebrijes) - Artesania, Benito Juárez, Abastos
Wrestling masks - Benito Juárez

PACKAGING

Traditionally, market purchases were placed into a basket (canasta). Market baskets were made very broad so that purchases would not be packed on top of each other. Baskets have been replaced by deeper market bags, some of which are quite attractive.

Traditionally, purchases would be wrapped in natural materials such as corn husks (totomoxtle). For example, higuerilla leaves would be used to wrap grasshoppers.

TEMPORARY MARKETS

During holidays, temporary markets spring up throughout Mexico. Visitors may think these markets are open all year long. It comes as a surprise to many that during low season the streets are empty of the temporary markets.

Examples - the 2007 and 2006 Easter Markets in Oaxaca City.

MARKET TOUR

For visitors heading out to the markets, we have a recommendations to make the most of your market visit.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Before you arrive - Learn how to say 'thank you' in the local language (or languages).

Before you arrive - Print out a Flickr photo of someone you'd like to visit.

Buy something - See something you like? Make a purchase!

Bring small bills - Don't expect to get change for a small purchase if you are paying with a 200 or 500 peso note.

Bring change - Exact change is always appreciated.

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 -- 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

Oaxaca Market Project is an initiative of Planeta.com and friends in Oaxaca. We ask visitors to print photos (seen here archived on Flickr) 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!

www.flickr.com

AUTHOR

Ron Mader is the Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com website.


REFERENCES

g Agriculture
g Markets
g Mexico Markets
g Market Days in Oaxaca
g Oaxaca Market Project
b Markets - Mexico Premiere
b Expo de Oaxaca en México DF

PLANETA FORUM

g Food
GUIDELINES

FLICKR

g Oaxaca Markets
g Leave a positive footprint
g survey results (2009)
b World Market
b Arbol de la Vida
b World Market
ONLINE FLICKR

WIKI

g Food
g Oaxaca Wiki
ONLINE WIKI

VIDEOS

g Central de Abastos
g Central de Abastos, Lista de Compras, 04.2008
g 1st Aniversario - Tianguis Ecologico La Estacion
g Como evitar el uso de bolsas de plastico (Estacion)
g 2008 Easter Market
g Canastas del Oro (Pochote)
g Flor de Maguey (Pochote)
g Pink requeson (Pochote)
b Composting in Rojas
VIDEO


INDEX

g Artesania
g 20 de Noviembre
g Benito Juárez
g Sánchez Pascuas
g Oaxaca City's Natural Markets
g Pochote
g Kiosko
g Plaza 8 Regiones (YouTube)
g Eco Market (Flickr)
g Conzatti (Flickr)
g La Estación (Flickr) (YouTube)
g Abastos
g La Merced

www.flickr.com

MICROPHILANTHROPY

Working with local food and craft producers, we are developing the Oaxaca Market Project to provide internet training to locals and tipsheets and guides for visitors.

For those who wish to support this work, we are collecting funds for the workshops and to buy select goods direct from the artisans that will then be auctioned to raise additional funds for Planeta.com. Purchases are made at local markets, holiday fairs and from the homes of artisans.

 

EASTER MARKET 2008



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