Mexican Goods

Mexican Shopping At The Tiangis

Shopping at the 'Tiangis' of Mexico

Shopping in Mexico is always great, but the experience of shopping in the ‘tianguis’ of Mexico (Mexican street market) is unsurpassed. The ‘tianguis’ became famous in pre-Columbian times. During pre-Columbian times the ‘tianguis’ were stationary bazaars. They became popular because or their size and large variety of produce. Since then, the traveling ‘tianguis’ has developed with its own distinct enhancement to keep the market place conveniently close to the inhabitants of Mexico’s largest cities as well as the smaller towns.

The streets are magically transformed into jovial ‘tianguis.’ Their roofs are pink, yellow and other gaily colored fabric. They begin to come into view at their peripatetic destination at about 7:00 am with their bundles of metal truss, crossbeams and wooden planks all of which are magically converted into a maze of impermanent stands. By 9:00 Am., the streets are transformed into a bazaar of stalls that wave with everything from produce to ninja turtles. The ‘tianguis’ will set up one day every two weeks at the same location. They (vendors) come with trucks filled with pots, pillows, rugs, clothing, and electronics and just about everything and anything you could want.

The quality of the products varies according to the region. In prosperous areas one can select from blushing fruit and fresh vegetables while the less prosperous areas are limited to seasonal domestic products.

The families who work the open area markets are part of a loosely organized and informal commercial association. Each ‘tianguis’ has its own leader who is responsible for assigning each vender his place and who secures the necessary permission from the local government for setting up the market in the public thoroughfare. The vendor in turn pays their leader a daily quota for the privilege of doing business with the group. The price varies according to the location of the stall and the location of the ‘tianguis.

For those of you who are new to Mexican shopping, I am happy to share pertinent information on Mexican shopping at the ‘tianguis.’

Most importantly, take lots of small bills or change as most vendors will have change for no more than $50.00

• Look for bargains on everything, specially produce and fresh flowers
• Buying meat is not recommended

Getting products to the ‘tianguis’ is not always easy. Most vendors of produce and food items are up way before dawn, scouring the wholesale warehouse districts looking for bargains. The more fortunate families load up the family pickup but the more humble merchants are forced to cart their wares in bicycle driven carts, taxi, bus or a hired truck.

This distinctive  blend of pre-Columbian tradition and modern day practicality make Mexican shopping at the  ‘tianguis’ a wonderful and enjoyable shopping experience which would leave you with unique and exceptional memories.

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