Outdoor markets or tianguis, as they are called locally, are open-day markets held on certain days of the week in specific towns or neighborhoods, where folks can purchase a variety of items, from fresh produce to clothing and so forth. The tradition can be traced to pre-hispanic times, and the word tianguis derives from the Nahuatl—the language the Aztecs used—tiyānquiztli, which means “open-air market.”
The largest tianguis in Puerto Vallarta takes place every Saturday morning, along the Libramiento overpass. We took a few photographs for you, should you wonder what type of products might you find there. Despite the fact that for several decades supermarket chains have firmly established themselves throughout Mexico, traditional markets or mercados continue to draw customers in many cities large and small.
Even if it is just for the sake of curiosity, a visit to this tianguis, or others in the region, is definitely worth it. Whether you need hair ribbons or a lethal machete, an embroidered tablecloth or a set of tires, a live chicken or the pot to cook it in, it’s likely to be at a local tianguis.
Vendors set up their stands very early, every Saturday morning.
Wearing a hat is a must on sunny days, and you can purchase one right there.
Unfinished wooden furniture can often times be custom designed upon request, delivered the following week.
Curtain rod holders of different sizes and shapes are always available here.
Embroidering to demonstrate techniques can help time pass by more quickly on slow days.
You won’t find the latest fashions here; only practical garments for practical folk.
Many sellers travel to Guadalajara regularly to purchase clothes in bulk.
Shoppers use large plastic buckets to select the produce they will purchase.
Gadgets for kids of all ages are also available.
Displayed among modern conveniences, the molcajete mortar is a Prehispanic tradition.
These waist pouches are perfect to safe keep your belongings while exploring Vallarta.
Real or fake? At that price, does it really matter?
These lemon juicers are a stable of just about every Mexican household.
It is a good idea to carry large shopping bags with you on tianguis day. You may even end up purchasing a plant or two!
Bakery on wheels! Bread baked early in the morning is available for purchase.
Artisan honey is sold in many varieties.
The streets where the Tianguis del Libramiento sets up every Saturday, have been indicated in purple on this map.
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