Information
Landmark: Mercado 20 de NoviembreCity: Oaxaca
Country: Mexico
Continent: North America
Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Oaxaca, Mexico, North America
Overview
Mercado 20 de Noviembre buzzes with life, making it one of Oaxaca’s favorite spots, where the scent of sizzling tlayudas drifts through the aisles, on top of that right in the heart of Oaxaca City, this lively market draws you in with sizzling grills, radiant woven baskets, and the unmistakable rhythm of local life.Let’s dive into what truly sets this market apart-imagine the scent of fresh bread drifting through the air: 1, moreover the market sits right by the Zócalo, Oaxaca City’s bustling main square, so it’s an easy stop whether you’re a local grabbing fresh chilies or a tourist exploring the streets.Inside Mercado 20 de Noviembre, sunlight spills across the wide, open hall, and stalls buzz with color and chatter, subsequently locals crowd the area for fresh vegetables, soap, and other daily needs, while visitors wander between stalls, tasting Oaxacan dishes and soaking in the bustle.It seems, Number two, besides the market takes its name from November 20, the date the Mexican Revolution began-a moment locals still speak of with pride and remember as part of their story.For decades, it’s been at the heart of the Oaxacan community, buzzing with stalls piled high with fresh chilies, handmade crafts, and local goods, consequently one of Oaxaca’s oldest and most traditional markets, it’s been rebuilt more than once over the years, with its worn wooden beams giving way to sturdier frames to fit the ever-growing crowd of vendors and shoppers.Somehow, Number three, likewise one of the main reasons people flock to Mercado 20 de Noviembre is the food-aromas of sizzling meat and fresh tortillas greet you the moment you step inside.Oaxaca’s famous for its vibrant food scene, and this bustling market lets you taste some of the region’s finest dishes-like smoky tlayudas warm off the griddle, on top of that tlayudas are giant Oaxacan tortillas-often called Oaxaca’s pizza-loaded with cheese, smoky meats, and crisp vegetables.They sizzle on a wide, boiling grill and make a favorite bite, whether you’re grabbing a quick snack or sitting down for a full meal, along with mole: Oaxaca, called the “Land of the Seven Moles,” offers its rich, fragrant sauces in the market-perfect for tasting a spoonful straight from a steaming pot.Mole often joins tender chicken or smoky pork on the plate, its deep, rich flavor born from chilies, chocolate, and warm spices, meanwhile barbacoa is leisurely-cooked until the meat turns tender and rich, often made from lamb or goat, then piled onto a plate with crisp onions, fresh cilantro, and a splash of salsa.Just so you know, Tamales-soft corn dough packed with savory meats, fresh vegetables, or sweet fillings-come wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks, and they're a familiar favorite at the market, furthermore quesillo is Oaxaca’s beloved cheese, stretchy and mild, melted into tlayudas, folded into quesadillas, or slipped into countless other dishes.Chapulines-crispy fried grasshoppers, a favorite snack in Oaxaca-show up here too, usually dusted with salt and brightened by a squeeze of fresh lime, simultaneously for dessert, visitors can savor traditional Oaxacan sweets like Nicuatole, a silky corn pudding, or Cajeta, a rich caramel sauce simmered from goat’s milk.Number four, at the same time meat and Sausage Stalls (La Cueva del Chacal): The market’s stand-out spot is its meat and sausage section, nicknamed La Cueva del Chacal, where the smell of smoked chorizo drifts through the aisles.This region is known for its local meats-everything from spicy chorizo to smoky longaniza and tasajo, thin beef slices that sizzle on the grill, as a result you’ll spot Oaxacan-style sausages sizzling on the grill, and the vendors will happily whip up a plate for you on the spot.To be honest, They usually bring the grilled meats to the table with warm, soft tortillas and an array of luminous, spicy salsas, the kind that make an Oaxacan meal feel completely authentic, simultaneously five.Handicrafts and Local Goods: The food might draw you in first, but wander a little and you’ll spot woven baskets, carved wooden spoons, and other traditional treasures scattered through the market, then the stalls brim with handmade textiles, painted pottery, carved masks, gleaming jewelry, and other crafts that carry the colors and patterns of Oaxaca’s indigenous heritage.Local artisans craft these products by hand, using age-timeworn techniques passed down for generations, and they make wonderful souvenirs-each one carrying the smell of fresh wood or the feel of woven fibers, after that number six.You can sip your way through Oaxaca with local favorites like smoky mezcal from agave, tangy-sweet pineapple tepache, and creamy horchata dusted with cinnamon, as a result in Oaxaca, mezcal holds a special location, and vendors often invite you to sip miniature pours, letting you taste the smoky heat of its many varieties.Funny enough, Seven, what’s more at Mercado 20 de Noviembre, vendors greet you with easy smiles and a warmth that feels like home, eager to tell you the story of their dishes and the fresh chilies or spices that make them unique.For decades, many stall owners have run their businesses in the market, handing down cherished recipes and hard-earned skills-like the perfect spice blend for a soup-to their children, in conjunction with the market buzzes with a friendly, communal energy, and before long visitors are chatting with vendors about Oaxaca’s food, its spices, and the stories behind them.Somehow, Eight, likewise come with an empty stomach-there’s so much to taste, from sizzling skewers to sweet pastries, you’ll want room for it all.You can lose track of time, tasting one dish after another, sipping something chilly and crisp between bites, subsequently bring some cash-most vendors prefer it, and having a few crisp pesos in your pocket before you arrive will save you trouble.Some stalls take credit cards, though you can’t count on it-one vendor might swipe your card, the next only takes cash, while expect crowds-the market often swells with people during peak hours, the air buzzing with chatter and the scent of fresh bread.Get there early-by noon the sizzling dumpling stand might already be sold out-so you’ll have first pick of the day’s best bites, at the same time nine.If you’re in Oaxaca, you can’t skip Mercado 20 de Noviembre-it’s where the smoky scent of grilled meats and the hum of local chatter wrap you in the city’s true flavors and traditions, consequently you might be biting into a smoky tlayuda, picking up a carved wooden mask, or simply letting the chatter and spice-laden air wash over you-the market captures Oaxaca’s heritage and celebrates its people, cuisine, and artistry.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-22
