El Mercado Market in San Antonio
Posted on February 1, 2010 - Filed Under Travel
Shopping in San Antonio’s El Mercado is an eclectic experience. Not only is this an open air market full of farmers market kinds of produce, flowers and food stalls, but it is home to the Working Artist program, so the items you will find will be one of a kind treasures made by the artists living and working in the city of San Antonio. The Mercado was for many years known simply as the Market Square, and many still use that name when referring to this site. Not only is this one of the busiest markets in the state, it is the center of the history for the Mexican culture which had been a market for local wares and household supplies since the beginning of the 20th Century.
Some of the best San Antonio hotels are located near to the market, which is convenient as for many years this has been one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. Mark Twain had once said that there are four truly unique cities in America, Boston, New Orleans, San Francisco and San Antonio. The Market Square is one of the elements of the city that contributes to this uniqueness, and it always has. This is not just a tourist site, but a favorite local spot as well, reflecting the local color and fare through the artists’ booths, the various shops, and the cafes and restaurants. Similar to the Fairfax Market of Los Angeles, many of the businesses in the Market Square are the original businesses, and many of them are family run.
The 24 hour, 7 days a week Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery opened in 1943, and the doors have not closed since. The business was opened by Pete Cortez, and the Cortez children and grandchildren still operate it today. There are more than thirty shops, in addition to the restaurants, where on can find everything from candy and sweet treats, to pinatas, jewelry and Mexican dresses. The Working Artist program has made it possible for the local artists to gain exposure and to sell their artwork and crafts. Set up along the sidewalks of the market you will find musicians, blacksmiths, leatherworks, fine art, photographers, and potters. Any form of art you can imagine, with the artists creating their works right there on the streets. This is a wonderful spot to visit on any trip to the city of San Antonio.
Comments
Leave a Reply