MEXICO: Local Markets in San Miguel

Markets are very much a part of everydaylife in San Miguel de Allende.

The markets reflect the rich art, culture and gastronomy of the city.

‘Tianguis’ means an open air market.

Tianguis de los Martes is one of the weekly markets that takes place every Tuesday just outside of the center of San Miguel de Allende.

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Tianguis de los Martes (Tuesday Market) is a HUGE market, about the size of 3 football fields. 

Tianguis de los Martes is less souvenirs and gifts, and more everyday essentials for the locals.

 

 

Shoppers can find clothing for the family, starting at about US$1.50 an item.

I am not sure I would buy my "intimate apparel" in the Tuesday Market, but it is available.

 There were also "novelty items".

The hungry masses need to be fed and there were many hot food stalls serving up a variety of Mexican dishes. 

 

 

Our lunch, for less than US$5 TOTAL!

Delicious! 

There is something for everyone. 

This lady was getting a massage. 

There were singing cowboys. 

And a questionable character.

San Miguel has a relatively large expat population, plus it is also a popular tourist destination. This has "widened the scope" of the traditional local markets. City Market is a totally different experience than the Tuesday Market.

City market is geared towards the expats and wealthy Mexicans.

 

 

 Another daily local market is the Ignacio Ramírez Market. It is a big vibrant market in the centro (city centre) with vendors for fruit, vegetables & hot food, plus local crafts & gifts.

Cactus leaves and tunas (small red fruit from one type of cactus) are trimmed and prepared to eat.

The market has ready-to-eat food to munch on while shopping.

There are a variety of other things to buy. 

 

 

San Miguel is a city full of artists, painters and craftsmen, and this is reflected in the Mercado de Artesanias (The Artisan Market).

For high end art, antiques, jewelry and clothing there is the Fabrica de Aurora Market.

Originally it was the La Aurora textile factory and was one of San Miguel de Allende’s most important industrial operations. It opened in 1902 and closed almost 90 years later in 1991. There are still some of the original factory equipment pieces.

In 2004 it was reinvented as an art shopping mall.

Many thanks to Keith and Wayne, our Houston neighbours, for coming down to visit us in San Miguel

 

 

and exploring the markets with us.