Mercado Jamaica

It’s that time of year again when Mercado Jamaica comes alive with spooky papiermache skeletons, large skull heads and the sugar candy for Day of the Dead. I love going to Mercado Jamaica anytime of year, but my favourite times are early October, for decorations, flowers and pumpkins or gourds. And I love going early December for poinsettias and Christmas decorations. Thursday is when the fresh flowers come in, but they are nice any day of the week.

I like to get there early around 8:30 / 9 a.m. Bring bags or a roller bag for all your purchases. There is a metro stop (Jamaica) or Ubers are easy to order. I drive, and there are two parking lots, but my favourite one is the large outdoor one on Eje 3 Sur/Morelos which costs 20 pesos to get in. If you arrive before 9:30 / 10 there are ample spots to choose from. After that they will line up cars in the driveways and owners leave their keys (so the cars can be moved) so you can exit. I prefer this parking lot as it’s easier to get in and out of.

The market is divided into pets (food, cat litter boxes and scratching posts, food); potted small plants like cactus and succulents; cut flowers and arrangements and seasonal flowers; fruit and vegetables; meat and dairy; food stalls; piñatas and candy (also seasonal); there is an exterior section with dried flowers and seasonal items (like Christmas trees) and also planting pots and vases; housewares are on my parking lot with woven baskets and enamelware; and there is a tortilla factory on the opposite side of that large parking lot that makes fresh tortillas and sauces. I also have found the best lime tostados here (rectangular nacho chips that are super large and very limey). I tend to buy at a different kiosk all the time, but the last time I found super limey ones at Delicatessen el Paricutin, local 66.

Go with a lot of cash, smaller bills if you can, and a list! I always get distracted by things I have never noticed before. This last time I bought small gourds for Thanksgiving, marigold garlands to make a Halloween decoration with skeletons, all the fruit and veg for two weeks, and enamel teapot to make hot chocolate, all the things I never knew I needed! I like to wear sneakers as the floors can be dirty and take small change as there are washrooms onsite for $5 pesos.

It truly is like a rabbit warren and lots of things to discover, but after having gone many times, I’m only just now feeling like I understand where everything is. Everyone is very friendly and helpful and if someone doesn’t have something they will know which of their neighbours might just carry it.