The tents set up on the square appeared to be some sort of market, but there were no signs saying exactly what was going on. So I crossed over onto the Zócalo to check it out.
It was indeed an market, similar to the "tianguis" or outdoor markets that are held in every neighborhood in the city.
There were a large number of food stalls... yet it was not a food fair.
"Elotes" are ears of boiled or roasted corn and "esquites" are corn kernels served in a cup with mayonnaise, hot sauce and lime juice.
In Mexico there are all sorts of candies made from seeds or nuts, such as "alegrías" which are made from amaranth seeds mixed with honey or sugar.
"Tlayudas" might be called Oaxaca's version of the pizza... a large tortilla with various toppings.
Different kinds of "mole"
There were many stalls selling handicrafts... yet it was not a craft fair.
This woman was weaving fabric on a backstrap loom.
Besides the booths selling food and handicrafts there was ordinary merchandise such as shoes, books and DVDs. Just what was the theme of this market? A lot of the vendors were from Oaxaca, and I asked one lady if they were all from Oaxaca. "No," she said, "just this tent."
I had a conversation with this gentleman, a member of the Huichol tribe from the state of Nayarit. He was creating the beautiful beaded objects for which his people are famous.
I was tempted to buy something from him... the small framed picture of a wolf all done in beads that you see at the upper left corner of the photo. But it cost over 1500 pesos (over 75 U.S. dollars), and I didn't have that much money on me. However, given the quality and detail of his art, the price was most reasonable.
I asked him if there was any sort of theme to this market. He told me that he had no idea. He had been invited to participate, and so there he was.
I guess I will never know the reason behind the market on the square.
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