Since pre-hispanic times, markets—or mercados—have been at the heart of community’s life in Mexico. Ancient tianguis—open-air markets used by the Mexica and other Mesoamerican civilizations—were central to trade, social life, and culture. In fact, the word tianguis comes from Nahuatl and means “market.” After the Spanish arrived, these markets evolved, eventually leading to the opening of El Parián in 1703, one of Mexico City's first formal public markets (SIC Cultura).
Markets are often considered the soul of Mexico,keepers of tradition and belief. Their cultural significance runs so deep that even Nobel Prize-winning (1971) poet Pablo Neruda once said:
"Lo recorrí por años enteros de mercado a mercado. Porque México está en los mercados."
("I traveled from market to market for years. Because Mexico is in the markets.")
LOCAL MARKETS: A WINDOW INTO MEXICO CITY'S CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY
When we visit a new place, we naturally want to immerse ourselves in its culture. Most of us head straight to museums to learn about the history and people. But there’s another way to truly experience the flavors, scents, and energy of Mexico’s unique heritage: the traditional market.
In the mercado, you’ll find everything from classic Mexican dishes and handmade crafts to traditional kitchenware, exotic fruits, ancient herbal remedies, and even esoteric products. There are over 300 registered public markets in Mexico City alone.
Mercados are more than just places to shop. They’re hubs of human connection, where merchants - many of whom have run their stands (puestos) for generations- know their customers by name. The markets' ancestors, the tianguis, were the first organized selling spaces where people could find goods brought from distant lands.
TIANGUIS: THE ROOTS OF TODAY'S MARKETS
The tianguis (from the Nahuatl word for market) have existed in Mesoamerica since ancient times. These open-air markets, held in temporary setups, were the original form of commerce. Merchants would gather to sell everything from fresh food to crafts, many brought from faraway regions.
Even today, tianguis are alive and well across Mexico City. They pop up for a single day in different neighborhoods, offering a wide range of goods and services: fresh produce, cooked meals, clothing, tools, furniture, you name it!. Families often do their weekly shopping at their local tianguis, and vendors return to the same neighborhoods every week, making it a tradition.
They offer something no supermarket can: warm, human interaction and a truly local shopping experience.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MEXICO CITY’S MARKETS
While many early markets may have gone unrecorded, some stand out in the evolution of commerce in Mexico City:
Tlatelolco Market
One of the most important and ancient markets was the Tianguis de Tlatelolco. Chronicler Bernal Díaz del Castillo described how impressed the Spanish were when they saw this enormous market. At its peak, it was the major trading hub for local and imported goods. Bartering (trueque) was the primary form of exchange, and cacao beans were even used as currency.
This market was essential in shaping Mexican cuisine, as the diversity of ingredients from different regions helped define local food traditions.
El Parián Market
Opened in 1703 in the Zócalo, El Parián aimed to organize informal trade in the city. It mainly sold imported goods. During times of political changes, many vendors moved to nearby streets,like the now iconic Madero Street.
OTHER HISTORIC AND ICONIC MARKETS
In the 19th century, under the Porfirio Díaz government, a wave of modernization brought permanent urban markets to life. Today, there are more than 300 public markets across Mexico City. A few standouts include:
- De la Paz Market (Tlalpan): Inaugurated around 1900, reportedly by Porfirio Díaz himself. It played a key role in supplying the southern parts of the city.
- La Lagunilla Market: Open since 1905, though it traces its roots back to pre-hispanic times. Today, it’s a go-to spot for antiques and vintage clothing.
- La Merced Market: Formally built in 1860, it occupies the old Convent of La Merced. It remains one of the city’s largest and most important markets for traditional goods.
