Market Day

Today is Market day. Every Wednesday and Sunday vendors from every pocket of the municipality and from as far as the Mexican border come here to roll out their wares. Main Street is transformed from sleepy to bustling.

The first vendors begin to raise tarps and booths as early as 4am. The racket used to wake me, but I’ve grown accustomed now and sleep until the man selling newspapers passes by my house- my personal market day alarm clock. Market day is a day for people from all of the far-reaching communities to do their weekly shopping, visit the local government office, go to church (as many of the local churches coordinate services with market schedule), and visit with friends. The only transportation that comes and goes from the villages is on market day.

We have the best market around- with the distinction that a majority of the goods come from within the municipality. Though you can’t find the more exotic veggies that come from elsewhere- asparagus, eggplant and spinach, the plethora of local herbal plants and greens is impressive.

In addition to being famous for the variety of goods, we’re famous for the rouge shopping methods of the local women. I have, on more than one occasion, been elbowed in the side so someone can get to the veggies they want. Within the Peace Corps circle there’s a cautionary tale about the market here- one volunteer, in pursuit of fresh oranges, found herself knocked down flat by a local lady (likely no taller than 5 feet). The moral of the story is- shop local; be steady on your feet.