Every weekend between the months of November and April, you can find some of the best Mexican folk art at the Saturday Market. This market is located at the Lazaro Cardenas Park in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. Those looking for bright colourful quality souvenirs will really enjoy this shopping experience. The market is geared towards tourists, and I would hazard to guess that just about 100% of the shoppers are visitors to the city.
I use the word ‘best’ in this circumstance as it pertains to well made Mexican souvenirs. Cheaper souvenirs can be found up and down almost every street in old town, many of which are not made in Mexico. These being the typical items you might find in any Mexican tourist destination.
If it is something unique you are seeking, you might have luck finding that special souvenir at this market!
Bags
There are several vendors at the market that sell bags of all shapes and sizes. One stall sells purses made from drink can tabs, they are so unique and always draw a crowd. You can find several stalls selling different types of weaving from various materials. Like a magpie, I am drawn to the most colourful items and these abound in Mexican folk art. Whether you are looking for a beach bag or a purse, you will find many styles to choose from.
Pom Pom Strings & Tassels
Personally to say I have an obsession with these handi-crafts is an understatement. I am completely addicted to buying these string decorations. They are utterly charming, come in all shapes and sizes and are so versatile. At home, I had them decorating my purses, curtains, doorways, patio, pillows, you name it I could always find a place to show case these bright and beautiful creations.
Other Goodies
There are so many other beautiful pieces of art at this market. A lovely man selling Huichol beaded fold art from Jalisco will sometimes be making his creations right there. You will be able to see how painstakingly tedious this art form is, but ultimately creating exquisite little treasures.
The stall selling milagros might capture your attention for quite a while. Not only are there pre-made and designed wooden pieces for sale, but there is a table of loose milagros that you can chose from to have your own piece created. Milagros in English means miracle or surprise. If you are having some health issues for example, you might seek out individual pieces with a heart, an arm or leg, or what ever little miniatures represent things you want to wish for. These make for really special gifts as well, for you can purchase a tiny piece as a good luck symbol and gift them to family and friends.
The few items I have detailed in this post are by far, a very small sampling of what you are going to find at this market. There is a glass blower, stalls selling traditional clothing, embroidery, lots of jewellery, the list goes on.
Every time I return to this amazing city, I make a point of visiting the Lazaro Cardenas Saturday market weekly. I never tire of looking at all of the extraordinary arts & crafts available. It is a very lively market and opens at 9am. If you are arriving anytime after 10am, expect significant crowds. For there is a lot more to this market than just the art, there is food, food and more glorious food!
Hasta Luego amigos!
