Have you Heard About Tianguis ?
September 16, 2008
Every Wednesday in Ajijic, every Monday in Chapala, each Thursday in Jocotepec at the West end of Lake Chapala from early morning to late afternoon you will find the tianguis (Mexican Street Markets), which are not unlike those all over Mexico and roughly similar to flea markets, swap meets and such all over the USA.
The street markets are held in residential-commercial mixed neighborhoods. Remember there’s no real zoning in the towns at Lake Chapala.
Many of vendors have spent years working side-by-side: setting up stalls, working the daily market, and breaking down their booths at the end of the day.
These vendors are small entrepreneurs who sell everything from Soup to Nuts (literally you can get both and everything in between).
The mix of products is incredible, There are obvious factory made goods, but many items for sale are hand-crafted by family members.
The vendors pay a small fee of between $5 and $10 USD for the privilege of setting up their displays.
Some of the vendors have been selling their wares at the Ajijic market for over 14 years and so it’s become a way of life for them
Much of the produce sold at the street markets is bought at the abastos market in Guadalajara, but some of the fresh produce is sold by the families who grew it.
A lot of the dairy products for sale come from nearby dairy farms on the South side of Lake Chapala. There’s a wide array of cheeses which are my favorite food sold in the street market.
Oaxaca cheese for quesadillas, dry cheese for sprinking on beans, melting cheeses for topping enchiladas, panela cheeses still wet with whey and requeson, a fresh farmer-style cheese used for making cheese enchiladas, or tacos.
If you have a good eye for values you can always find a good deal at the tianguis and remember your not just having fun … you’re helping families to help themselves.
Now that you’ve read all about the tianguis here at ChapalaClub.com why not come and experience one or more for yourself. But first, here’s a short virtual tianguis video to hold you until you get here in person.
