Become a local and check out the many markets of San Miguel.
At Ancha de San Antonio #123, Mercado Sano features permanent stands, on two levels, by local purveyors of organic produce, breads, cheeses, eggs, milk, coffees and coffee drinks, olive oils and other products. Upstairs in the rear, is an attractive new coffee shop, Santo Remedio, selling pastries, tea chocolates and more.
One of my g0-to spots for coffee is the small stand inside the entrance, Il Gallo Verde or The Green Rooster, operated by a lovely man named Tito. Make sure to stop by. There are a number of table in front where you can meet friends
Also in Mercado Sano opened in December 2022 is La Mezquiteria. What I thought was a regular coffee shop was a totally new experience. Here they sell coffee roasted from the mesquite tree seedpods. I had a latte which had a rich, smooth flavor with just the right amount of natural fructose to add some sweetness. It was also caffeine free. They also sell some bars and sweets. I loved it and highly recommend that you try it. Andrea, the owner, was also delightful and so friendly. I have back three more times for their cold brew which is the best I have had.
Mercado Sano is host to the Saturday Organic Market or Tosma Mercado De Productores.This is a large farmer’s market featuring fruits and vegetables, local food vendors and craft items, I always love La Panaderia Buena Vida for their almond croissants, scones, muffins and yes a few cookies for the week., They also feature live music. I go every Saturday when I am in town.
Tianguis del Martes: I just went to my second Tuesday Market which is 1 1/2 miles from the center. Here you will find housewares, clothes, shoes, fruits, vegetables, and all kinds of food. There are hundreds of vendors selling their wares under three large convered structures. It is great fun and a little overwhelming. Watch your wallet, according to the locals. It is on the Salida de Queretaro across from Soriana in the Plaza La Luciérnaga. I highly recommend the experience. They are also open on Sunday.
Mercado Ignacio Ramirez: Located a few blocks from the Jardin and behind the Oratorio church, is the main San Miguel covered market built in 1970 in the location of the original market from 1889. Here you will find fresh flowers, produce, meat, chicken and fish as well as food counters in the back.
Mercado de Artesanias or Artisans Market: Walk out of the Mercado Ignacia Ramirez into several long blocks of great finds. The Mexican pewter is reasonable and great for gifts. Look also for the shop that sells the Mexican oil cloth made into amazing bags, table cloths and other accessories.
Mercado de San Juan de Dios: Six blocks west of the Jardin is the Mercado de San Juan de Dios. It was built in 1992. There are many vendors selling fruit and vegetables plus there are a number of small local food counters offering local specialties. There are also many vendors selling shoes, clothes and other household items.
Three Kings Day and Mercado de Juguetes: Rather than on Christmas morning, Three Kings Day is the day when the children of San Miguel get their gifts. In the streets outside the Mercado de San Juan de Dios, on and just before Three Kings Day on January 6, is the Mercado de Juguetes. This is a perfect time to see the many sellers of toys, clothes, dolls, bicycles, candy and cookies and to watch the frenzied fathers and mothers buying gifts for their children. It is fun and so colorful!! Don’t miss it.
There are several craft markets that are both permanent and pop-up. On weekends the Expo Artesanal is held at Ancha San Antonio 30.
During Easter Weeked in 2023, I went to the Instituto Allende Arts & Crafts Fair where they featured jewelry, fabrics, crafts, rugs paintings, live music and food. It has been one of the largest markets in San Miguel since 1998. Some artists attend from as far away as Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. I thought the quality was excellent.
The week after Easter, you can visit the Feria Artesanal or craft fair, held in the streets along the Jardin. Here you will find over 40 exhibitors featuring jewelry, ceramics, wook. brass and papier-mâché.
During Day or the Dead or Día de Muertos is celebrated annually on November 1st and 2nd. Before the start there is a market in front of the Oratorio Church or Templo del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri at Insurgentes 12, where you can buy the colorful sugara skulls and other items for the traditional home altars. You can also walk down Cam. Viejo Al Panteón to the Cemetery of Our Lady Guadalupe or Panteón de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, on the 1st or 2nd and see the small stand selling flowers and food items. It is very colorful and traditional.
I also love walking and exploring different neighborhoods. Every Monday I see and small, colorful market along Cjon. de las Moras in Colonia Allende. Here you can buy fruits, flowers, candy, vegetables, clothes and more.
