December 2008

Comprising an entire block between Benito Juarez, Leandro Valle, Melchor Ocampo and Aquiles Serdan streets, the central market of Mazatlan is a lively center for commerce.  Nicknamed the Iron Palace due to its ceiling structure inspired by the Eiffel tower, the Mercado Pino Suarez was inaugurated in 1899 and continues to draw locals and visitors despite increasing competition from foreign-based and national supermercados. 

Needing some fresh produce, we first ventured into the market in the late morning during the week.  While the market was busy at that hour, it was nothing compared to the bustle we experienced on Christmas Eve.  Ay caramba!  We spent quite a bit of time just wandering around the various fruit and vegetable stands comparing prices and quality.  So far we have managed to purchase tomatoes, limes, jicima, radishes and some delicious enchiladas from one of the lunch stands.

You may laugh at our feeble attempts at grocery purchasing, but when faced with cuts of meat of this freshness and variety, we are a bit stymied on where to begin…

Although we have also shopped at the “Ley”, a Mexican grocery chain, for staples such as chips, cheese, Coke and salt, we could certainly find all those items and more at the central market.  Candy, nuts, spices and even clothing are available.  We find ourselves a little more adventurous each time we go to the market, and notice something new on most visits.  Who knows, maybe someday we will work up to that pig’s head!