The Central Market - Level 3

Today we are going to take the stairs one more time, the last one I must add, and we will find more handicrafts, most of them designed with locals in mind. The variety here ranges from pottery, basketry (mainly for domestic and florists use) to wooden artifacts.

In addition, in this level you will also find several places that sell grains, spices, herbs (medicinal and for cooking), candles, and the famous Queso de Zacapa (dry like-parmesan cheese), which is very important in the Guatemalan cuisine. These are just some of the dishes that require queso de Zacapa: quesadilla (a sweet bread typical from the East of the country, for which you can find my own recipe in Antigua Daily Photo), tostadas, and fiambre (the typical dish Guatemalans eat to celebrate the day of all saints and the dead on November 1st). 

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 Photos by galasdeguatemala.com, used with authorization

In this level we can also find the most bizarre selection of favors and other knickknacks required for popular celebrations like Quinceaňeras (like the sweet sixteen, only one year before), Baptisms, First Communions, Baby-showers, Weddings, among others. As I said before, products more intended for local consumers.

Well, this has been all for this week. I hope you will come back next Monday when I am going to invite you to join me in a sightseeing tour through the Historic Center.

The Central Market - Level 2

 

Photo by galasdeguatemala.com, used with authorization.

As I mentioned yesterday, today we are going downstairs to the intermediate level, the largest one in the market that is divided in 3 sections: in the north wing meats and poultry; in the middle fruits, vegetables, live plants, and flowers; and in the south wing homemade style food in a wide variety of popular restaurants. If in level one you enjoyed listening, looking, and touching, trust me, in this level all of your senses are going to be awaken.

While visiting the restaurants section, what you will see is popular food, the food that locals eat regularly, and only some of the dishes can be considered traditional typical food. Most of these restaurants are clean and well maintained, so, if you see something that looks appealing, go for it. You might be surprised with the flavors and aromas of natural ingredients cooked right in front of you.

The section in the middle includes the most beautiful, colorful, full of textures and aromas display of fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the country, many of them, items you will never find anywhere else. Be adventurous and try some fruits, they are just to-die-for. And if you do not believe me, enjoy this slide-show with beautiful photos from galasdeguatemala.com.

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My description of this part of the market will not be complete without mentioning the famous Doña Mela's place. Right in the middle of aisles full of vegetables and fruits, you will see a place surrounded by a small crowd. Take a close look of what people there is buying and eating. If you are not fussy with food, you have to try at least one of the many dishes you are going to be presented with, and once again, you might be surprised with unusual yet extraordinary flavors. Click on this video, although the narrative is in Spanish, the images speak for themselves!

The Central Market - Level 1

I think I already mentioned that this is one of my favorite places in Guatemala City, in case you missed it, I am telling you, again!
Remember that we are going downstairs from the street-parking lot level, so here we are, in the first level. This level, the one designed with tourists in mind, is full of small individually owned handicrafts stores and probably the first impression will be some kind of noise… which is the mix of different radio stations playing at the same time in almost each one of the little stores! Do not let this upset you, quite contrary, think of it as the perfect background for what is to come: textiles.
Guatemalan textiles are the most vibrant colors weaved in the most intricate patterns you will ever see. The best of all is that you can choose amid a wide variety of designs, to fit every taste and budget: fabric by the yard, table clothes, woolen blankets, bedspreads, you name it.
In addition to the music, you are going to hear some melodic calls: que va a llevar reinita (or mi rey)? Meaning literally: what would you like to buy my little queen (or my king)? This is Guatemalan people at their best! Friendly, smiley, eager to please you.
Take your time, enjoy and walk around, through every one of the aisles and feel free to explore. Rustic leather, silver jewelry, naif paintings, popular souvenirs are just some of the many other things you will find here.

Should you still want to explore the rest of the market? Come back tomorrow. I will do my best trying to tell you about the next level. In the meantime, please enjoy this slide show which contains more beautiful photos by galasdeguatemala.com.

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The Central Market - Introduction

Photos by galasdeguatemala.com, used with authorization.

I wish I could reproduce all the aromas, the flavors, the sounds, the vibrant colors, the forms and textures one can smell, taste, hear, look, and touch in this place. The Guatemala City’s Central Market is a feast to the senses!

If there is a commercial center where you can find handicrafts and souvenirs from all over the country at a reasonable price, this is it. This is also the place where you can find a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, meat, typical food, wooden artifacts, and more.

It is located in Zone 1, or downtown, and before getting there, I have to recommend being cautious, even though is a relatively secure place, avoid wearing fancy clothes and jewelry. Although a well designed, organized, and clean market, since it is a massive several stories underground concrete structure, I could say that the building itself does not represent what it is inside.

On the street level is a paid and very secure parking lot from where you can access the 3 lower levels, which are built like mezzanines and divide the market into 3 different sections, exactly the same number of days I need to explore the place with you. Ah, while exploring keep in mind that haggling over the prices has to be part of the experience when you visit a market like this.

Here is just a sample of what we will experience tomorrow: