A colorful party unfolds at every step in this crafts market: the shelves are lined with skulls, jugs, jaguar heads made of black clay, wood or Huichol trinkets, traditional toys, palm baskets, saddlery, vases, pots and talavera plates, alebrijes and replicas of pre-Hispanic pieces. All of the crafts that can be found anywhere in the country's tourist centers can be also be found here.
November 2015 marked its 50th anniversary and a massive celebration was held. Although it’s big and in the city center, there is private security, exclusive parking, CCTV monitoring throughout the corridors to ensure the safety of all, the walkways are wide, it’s open daily and in some stalls, you can see how the products are made. All of this makes a visit here truly a pleasant and unique experience
While perusing, you’ll surely meet other tourists taking their picture with mariachi hats or wrestler masks; some even put on the leather sandals they just bought.
It’s not just crafts here, though, you can eat in an inn and even enjoy a beer to temper the heat on the mezzanine and some stalls even sell tequila, mezcal or traditional candies.
Some merchants will accept credit cards, but it’s always better to carry cash as that’s usually how to get the best price. Merchants will always encourage you to inspect and test the quality of their products – a phenomenal tactic because the more you look at it, the more you’ll want it.
We challenge you to try to leave here empty-handed.
Details
Address:
Plaza de la Ciudadela 1 and 5
Centro
Mexico City
06000
Cross street:
Emilio Dondé
Transport:
Metro y Metrobús Balderas, Metrobús Juárez
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 9am-6pm
By: Gilberto Pérez Álvarez, Time Out México