Mercado 20 de Noviembre | Oaxaca

The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is one of the most popular and vibrant markets in Oaxaca, Mexico. Located in the heart of Oaxaca City, this bustling market is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the flavors, sights, and sounds of Oaxacan culture. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this market so special:

1. Location and Atmosphere:

The market is centrally located near the Zócalo (main square) in Oaxaca City, making it an easy place to visit for both locals and tourists.

The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is housed in a large, open-air building with a lively, colorful atmosphere. It’s often packed with locals shopping for daily necessities, as well as visitors sampling Oaxacan cuisine and exploring the many stalls.

2. History:

The market is named after November 20th, the day of the Mexican Revolution, symbolizing its importance in local history. It has been serving the Oaxacan community for decades and is a central hub for local food, handicrafts, and products.

It is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Oaxaca, and its structure has been remodeled several times over the years to accommodate the growing number of vendors and customers.

3. Food and Culinary Delights:

One of the biggest attractions of Mercado 20 de Noviembre is the food! Oaxaca is known for its rich culinary tradition, and this market offers a fantastic opportunity to sample some of the region's best dishes.

Tlayudas: A giant Oaxacan tortilla, often referred to as "Oaxaca’s pizza," topped with various ingredients like cheese, meats, and vegetables. They’re cooked on a large grill and are a popular snack or meal.

Mole: Oaxaca is known as the "Land of the Seven Moles," and the market is a great place to try this famous sauce. Mole is often served with meats like chicken or pork and is rich in flavor, made from ingredients like chilies, chocolate, and spices.

Barbacoa: A slow-cooked, tender meat dish, often made with lamb or goat, that is typically served with onions, cilantro, and salsa.

Tamales: Corn dough filled with meats, vegetables, or sweet ingredients, wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks, are another staple at the market.

Quesillo: Oaxaca’s famous cheese, often served melted or used in various dishes like tlayudas, quesadillas, and more.

Chapulines: Fried grasshoppers, a delicacy in Oaxaca, are also found here and are often seasoned with lime and salt.

For dessert, visitors can indulge in traditional Oaxacan sweet treats such as Nicuatole (a sweet corn pudding) or Cajeta (a caramel-like sauce made from goat’s milk).

4. Meat and Sausage Stalls (La Cueva del Chacal):

One of the most distinctive features of the market is its meat and sausage section, often referred to as La Cueva del Chacal. This area specializes in all kinds of local meats, including chorizo, longaniza, and tasajo (thinly sliced beef).

You’ll also find Oaxacan-style sausages being cooked on grills, with vendors offering to prepare a meal for you right there. The grilled meats are typically served with fresh tortillas and a variety of salsas, making for a truly authentic Oaxacan meal.

5. Handicrafts and Local Goods:

While the food is the main attraction, you’ll also find a variety of handicrafts and traditional products throughout the market. Stalls sell handmade textiles, pottery, masks, jewelry, and other local crafts that reflect Oaxaca’s indigenous cultures.

These products make great souvenirs and are often made by local artisans using traditional methods passed down through generations.

6. Oaxacan Drinks:

You can also sample Oaxacan beverages like mezcal (a distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave), tepache (a fermented beverage made from pineapple), and horchata (a refreshing rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon).

Mezcal is a particularly important drink in Oaxaca, and many of the vendors offer tastings, allowing visitors to sample different varieties of this iconic drink.

7. Oaxacan Hospitality:

The vendors at Mercado 20 de Noviembre are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, always ready to share the history and ingredients behind their food. Many of the stall owners have been working in the market for decades, often passing down their recipes and skills to the next generation.

The market has a communal feel, and visitors often find themselves engaged in conversation with the vendors about the food and the culture of Oaxaca.

8. Tips for Visiting:

Go Hungry: With so much delicious food to try, make sure you arrive hungry! It’s easy to spend hours sampling different dishes and drinks.

Bring Cash: Most vendors prefer cash, so it’s a good idea to have pesos on hand before you visit. Some stalls may accept credit cards, but it’s not always the case.

Be Ready for Crowds: The market can get quite busy, especially during peak times, so be prepared for a lively and bustling environment.

Arrive Early: Some of the best food stalls can sell out of popular items as the day goes on, so arriving early gives you the best selection.

9. Conclusion:

The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is an essential stop for anyone visiting Oaxaca, offering a genuine and flavorful experience of the region’s culinary and cultural traditions. Whether you’re sampling a tlayuda, buying a handcrafted souvenir, or just soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, the market is a reflection of Oaxaca’s rich heritage and a celebration of its people, food, and crafts.