The Sunday Market in Merida…
I was fortunate to be in Merida on a Sunday because that’s when they have their weekly market. This is the main square in downtown Merida. As I’ve already mentioned, the architecture is amazing and it seems like everyone hangs out here just to enjoy life.
On the Saturday night before the market, they block off the streets around the square and start setting up vendor booths for the next day. Little temporary restaurants surround the square while the Mayan women continue to sell their wares.
French fries and fried hot dogs are some of the most popular items for the food vendors.
Here are these bad boys cooking in oil. I tried them…and did not like them. So, I don’t have to worry about hardening my arteries any more than they already are.
A common sight in Mexico…
And here were some fried cinnamony things. They were good but I don’t have a real big sweet tooth.
Lots of fresh fruit…pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, jicama and mango…
Random musicians and singers would perform at the little restaurants…
Now, on to the market. They had a little bit of everything. One of the main things was clothing for women…specifically the huipil worn by Mayan women…
And the typical sundresses…
I kind of liked these flowy pants things…
Guayabaras are a REALLY big thing here. You will find many shops dedicated solely to these.
Little girl’s dresses…
Embroidery for dish towels and baby items…
Lots of straw hats…
And purses…
Mexican Barbie dolls…
And these wooden mortars and pestles. Now I wish I would have bought one of these…I think they’re pretty.
And LOTS of knick-knacks…
These are definitely hand-made. I watched her making these one by one…
These actually looked more Oriental to me than Mexican…
Mayan calendars…
And a vast array of jewelry…
Aaargh…
Some very nice batiks…
And I actually liked this artwork…very colorful and fun…
I didn’t ask how much it was…it would have been too difficult to take back on the plane.
Then they had native Mayan dancers on the square…
Very pretty women all dressed up with very big smiles…
Then we get to the beer trays on the head. I witnessed this for the first time last year when I was at Chichen Itza. I couldn’t understand (and still don’t) the whole beers on the head deal, but who am I to question tradition?
Everyone has fun at the market. Actually, I was surprised there weren’t more hand-made items here, but it was entertaining none-the-less.
But I think this was my best picture yet. A little boy and his mom sat next to me while I was watching the dancers and I couldn’t help but notice the little guy’s shoes so I snapped a shot. Wow. Pretty cool, huh? You’d never see a little American boy wearing these.
Random Travel Musings 
Oh, these bring back great memories. Although we were there on a Sunday this year, the Carnaval parade was in the daytime so we skipped going to the square that day and hung out at the hotel until evening. I’m glad you got to see it on a normal Sunday.
I tried the deep fried hot dogs this year and didn’t care for them either. It was the quality of the hot dog, sort of pasty and not too flavorful. Same kind the hot dog vendor sells on the corner across from Santa Lucia church. But I’m so glad we got to try them!
March 27, 2011 at 5:04 am
Guaya beras–that’s a great way to get Alan to go to Merida! He loves them! has at least 6-8 & wears then in the summer here & on Isla–even has a long sleeved one. That fruit looks delicious! Many wonderful photos!
March 27, 2011 at 11:54 am
I agree with Ann that the fruit looks fabulous! I really, really love that one pic thru the arches (right above the one that has the dolls that look Oriental). Great shot! And speaking of shoes, did you notice the guy’s shoes in the picture with the beers balanced on their heads? I’ve seen dancers perform with full liquor bottles balanced on their heads in Isla Mujeres. Pretty impressive!
March 27, 2011 at 1:38 pm
I want to go! Craig and I are going to spend a month on Isla in November/December. Maybe we’ll take a weekend trip! I love those handbags with the wooden handles!
March 28, 2011 at 1:24 am
Nancy – I know what you mean! I was expecting the hot dogs to be pretty tasty, but I wanted to spit it out. I thought maybe it was because it had been sitting under the lights for too long, but I honestly don’t think I’m a fried hot dog kind of person. (My arteries are thanking me.)
Ann – Alan would have a field day in Merida with all the guayaberas. I passed by a store one day and saw one priced at 1600 pesos! Yikes! I don’t know if they’re worth that!!
Jana – Yes…all the guys were wearing those sandals as they were dancing in the square. Even though I question the “history” of dancing with beers on their heads, I do have to admit, I would have a problem doing that so I have to admire them.
Beck – I liked those handbags, too. If you spend a month on Isla, you should definitely spend a few days in Merida, but do it over a Sunday so you can experience the market. I will be doing a post on the Luz en Yucatan…the hotel where I stayed which is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend it…and only $50 USD a night. You can’t beat it.
March 28, 2011 at 2:32 am