Market Day at the San Ignacio Farmer’s Market is one of the most anticipated days of the week for local farmers, vendors and visitors. Although the market in San Ignacio is open every day of the week, Saturdays are the locally designated day as “market day.” In just one location, all walks of Belizean life come together to trade and sell their fresh produce or goods.
Considering the variety of faces seen at the San Ignacio market, it is the epitome of the melting pot – a true exhibition of many different cultures residing in Belize. Through this, a variety of fruits, vegetables, snacks and pastries, foods and drinks, and other crafts, household and thrift items are made available to the public.
The location of the market square is quite small; and, on a regular day, the place can be seen barren. On Saturdays, however, stalls and tents are set up at every corner of the space and the walkways are littered with people running their weekly market errands or witnessing our special market for the first time.
What is most astonishing about San Ignacio’s farmer’s market is the array of fresh produce and spices. Ranging from exotic and seasonal Belizean fruits, such as dragon fruit and mango to healthy greens and veggies and locally produced spices. Farmers and vendors take pride in the produce that they are selling; and, each stall is guaranteed to have the freshest fruit or vegetable that you can find.
While many visit the market for the weekly harvests, it is hard to resist some of the mouthwatering foods that are being made at the spot. Pupusas, burritos, tacos, barbeque, panades…boy oh boy, I’m getting hungry already! I can go on and on! And, let’s not forget all the natural juices that you can get too! A favorite is the standard orange juice, but there is also watermelon, horchata, pineapple, coconut water, papaya and soursop. After shopping around the market, if you’re hungry, you can grab a bite right at the market – how convenient!
Apart from getting your naturally grown, fresh produce and local dishes, you can also find affordable deals on electronics, household items, thrift pieces, and handcrafted art pieces from local Maya artisans and talented painters. Each piece of art is either woven, stitched or painted by hand. You will be guaranteed to get authentic crafts and souvenirs from the market.
For many of us, going to the San Ignacio market is a weekly routine; but, for a lot others, each visit is a new experience that the Belizing Team recommends to undergo. Seeing the melting pot of cultures coming together along with all the fresh fruits and vegetables and other amenities is an adventure in itself. So let’s go Belizing at the San Ignacio Farmer’s Market!