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If one wishes to experience the true element of Latin American markets, Mexico is the ultimate destination. Having an authentic local essence, traditional Mexican markets offer many farm-fresh produce, meat, local food items, souvenirs, esoteric essentials, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and more. Since Aztec times, Mexico has been a leading center of commerce, and as a result, Mexican markets have been an adventure in themselves.
About markets in Mexico
Traditional fixed markets in Mexico are called “mercados públicos” (public markets), “mercados municipales” (municipal markets) or “mercados” (markets) only, while “Tianguis” are open-air markets held on some days tracing their roots in pre-Hispanic culture. The relevant food markets in Mexico are of two types: mobile market stalls and stationary market stalls. The first moves from place to place in the city and sets up its stalls on a weekly basis, while the second is set up in an open stone building operating six days a week. Nevertheless, some Mexican markets to visit are as follows.
A market for food connoisseurs
Started as a small tianguis around 150 years ago, the Mercado de San Juan is a market to find fresh vegetables, imported food ingredients, high-end products, seafood, meat and everything for connoisseurs . Known as a market for chefs, this place is above all a gourmet destination. Built in 1955, this place is the oldest municipal market in Mexico.
Why is the market famous?
This market is made up of two buildings where one focuses on raw materials while the other focuses on serving full meals. Also, this place is officially known as “Ernesto Pugibet” and is notoriously known especially for providing any type of meat ranging from goat, duck, wild boar or crocodile. This place is home to international and exotic ingredients, creepy critters such as scorpions, tarantulas, cockroaches and ants, as well as fresh and dry produce for vegetarians.
Business hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
A market for esoteric stuff
This market boasts of its exotic nature due to the mysterious things it showcases for exhibition. Known as “Mercado de Sonora” and locally as “Witchcraft Market”, this place sells esoteric items. Here, local vendors have solutions to all of life’s problems. There are different types of vernacular religions in the Sonora market, from Voodoo to Santa Muerte, as well as intriguing rituals performed here. It is the traditional market of the city which is located southeast of historic Mexico City.
Why is the market famous?
Herbal remedies to cure various ailments ranging from coughs, colds and stress to obesity, as well as clay pots, costumes, colored candles, magic powders and potions to attract good things, love, wealth in one’s life, as well as soap to cure baldness and so on, this market sells intriguing materials. As curious as it may seem, you have to know how to make good use of these ingredients to get the right effect. Nevertheless, healers, wizards, witches and shamans can also be hired in this market.
Business hours
Daily – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A market with 100 years of history
A century-old market, the Mercado de Coyoacan is famous for its color, folklore, fresh vegetables and traditions. The market has been special for selling things related to the festivities. Restaurants and cafes lined the streets, which have traditional murals. Iconic artists such as Trotsky and Frieda Kahlo sought inspiration in this area.
Why is the market famous?
Whether it’s clothing, Mexican toys, handicrafts, full meals, or traditional Mexican festival items, this market exudes a true local experience. The alleys here are quite narrow, but it remains Mexico’s most iconic shopping destination.
Business hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A modern market steeped in international cuisine
If one doesn’t have a penchant for chaotic traditional markets, Mercado Roma is a modern, organized take on the food market. A gourmet market serving international and fusion cuisine, it’s a place to sip refreshing drinks and a variety of local produce on a busy street. This project is considered a contemporary Mexican market that has restaurants and rooftop terraces.
Why is the market famous?
Whether it’s sushi burritos, vegan tacos, Mexican macaroons, or a rooftop beer garden, this place is COOL in every way. The best part about this place is that it is open till late which also makes it available for parties after sunset.
Business hours: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The perfume market
The most fragrant and colorful place in the city with rare species of flowers, Mercado Jamaica is the market that contemplates the native flora of the region. Roses, lilies, daisies, ferns, violets, Mexican marigolds, this place is a traditional market which started in 1950. Apart from that, the market is also famous for its souvenirs and meat products. The main purpose of this market was to urbanize the markets around 1950.
Why is the market famous?
With nearly 5000 different types of flowers and plants, it also has local food stalls. Being the main market in town, this place is quite lively and exotic. This market concerns flower arrangements, ornamental plants and the sale of cut flowers and accessories.
The fun market of small producers
Tianguis is an outdoor bazaar in Mexico held on certain days, and Tianguis Tuesday in Condesa is one of them. Tianguis holds great significance in Aztec culture, and this ritual continues to this day. Every Tuesday, the west side blocks of Condesa are set aside for the Farmer’s Market. Tianguis has been a ritual in Mexico for 500 years and continues to this day.
Why is the market famous?
Every Tuesday, a variety of stalls ranging from meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy products are exhibited by indigenous women. Tianguis is a great way to get a glimpse of local Mexican life and buy fresh vegetables, inexpensive clothes, exotic spices, perfumes, and more.
Business hours
Every Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Mexican Sunday Market
This market in Mexico, La Lagunilla, began as a local tianguis with history from the pre-Hispanic period. Whether antiques, furniture, vintage clothing or jewelry; this place is the Sunday bazaar with everything and anything. It is a traditional public market in Mexico which is one of the largest and is located north of the city’s main square.
Why is the market famous?
This market is one of the largest and is divided into three sections: clothing, furniture and food. The market starts early in the morning.
Business hours: Every Sunday
Mexican native market
San Cristóbal de las Casas (Chiapas, Mexico) are fascinating Mayan villages with bustling native markets with traders in traditional clothes. These markets exude a sense of the diversity of the region and are very lively during Mayan feast days.
Why is the market famous?
Apart from being an amazing place to eat, this place sells pottery, gender dolls, traditional clothes and handicrafts. If one wishes to see the essence of real Mayan culture, this should be the place to go.
