BACKGROUND
Tradional markets include 20 de Noviembre y Benito Juárez,
Artesanias, Abastos and Sanchez Pascuas markets. Newer Friday/Saturday
natural product markets include Pochote and Socio-Bio Multicultural.
In the past few years organic and natural products stores have
opened, including Xiguela and Blackbox. Out of town stores such
as Ayuuk sell a selection of natural products. And craft stores
such as El Arte Oaxaqueño have been selling traditional
crafts for decades.
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, 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
Oilcloth (Mantel del Hule) - Benito
Juárez, 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
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). 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
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
The newly developing 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!
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