All about Mercado Lucas de Gálvez in Mérida, Mexico

The iconic huge Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is the main market of Mérida and directly adjoins the Mercado San Benito. Merida’s bustling market dates back to the late 1800s. On average, 20,000 to 25,000 people visit the Lucas de Gálvez market every day.

What treasures await you there?? That's simple. Almost everything you can think of is on offer. You can buy fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, candies, condiments, shoes, clothes, local handicrafts and actually more or less anything you can imagine.

You will find a section where you can buy hand-painted Yucatecan clothing made by the modern Maya. Characteristic of Yucatán are also the famous bordados, hand-embroidered textiles such as tablecloths, bags or napkins decorated with traditional motifs and patterns.

Tips for Paying at the Market

Credit cards are accepted at some stands, but of course not all of them offer this, so you should definitely take cash with you. I would prefer to pay with cash in the market anyway.

Fruit, vegetables, meat, and other foods sold at market stalls are generally not subject to bargaining. The prices for these items are typically fixed and, as mentioned, already quite reasonable.

Goods like clothing, souvenirs, or handicrafts often allow for some negotiation. If you’re unsure whether haggling is appropriate, a polite inquiry or observing the seller’s response can help. As always, showing respect and courtesy is essential.

Food

You’ll find an incredible variety of every imaginable fruit and vegetable grown in Mexico - and the prices are very cheap. The same goes for the meat section. You might find it unusual to see the meat not refrigerated but often hanging from hooks, right in front of you.

Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at preparing a Yucatecan specialty yourself? The market is the perfect place to find all the ingredients you need. Most of the products are prepared by local Maya from nearby villages, who come to the city to sell their goods.

The fruits and vegetables available at the market are also cultivated in the interior of the region, providing fresh and authentic ingredients for your culinary adventure.

Dragon fruit (pitaya or pitahaya), for example, is typical of the Yucatán region. It comes from various cactus species of the genus Hylocereus, which are native to the drier areas of Mexico. The fruit is often sold at markets in Mexico and is particularly popular during the harvest season (usually spring to fall).

Some of the fruits and vegetables are unique to Mexico and I had never seen them before, so there is always something new to discover. And if you ask, vendors will often let you sample unfamiliar fruits before you decide to buy. But keep in mind that eating inside the market - except at the designated food stalls - is not allowed.

Even if you’re not planning to eat or shop, it’s simply fun to wander around and soak it all in. You will be overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, the huge selection, the diverse smells and the sheer size of the market.

Downstairs at the northern end of the market, you’ll find a range of food stalls that offer a tantalizing assortment of delicious dishes. Among these offerings are the popular seafood cocktails, which are a must-try for anyone visiting the area.

These cocktails are typically made with a medley of freshly caught seafood, such as shrimp, octopus, and fish, marinated in zesty lime juice and mixed with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for added flavor.

Pets

There is also a pet area in the middle of the market, but unfortunately - as is often the case in Mexico - the conditions for the animals are distressing, with many crammed into very small cages.

It’s heartbreaking to see their lack of space and comfort, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of advocating for better animal welfare and humane treatment. You won't be able to change it, so I recommend giving it a wide berth.

History of the market

Today's huge market has a long history dating back to the 19th century. Around 1884, a simple shed with a tin roof was built. Three years later, more precisely on September 16, 1887, it was inaugurated under the name of "Mercado de Gálvez".

Some time later, however, the simple shed was demolished to make way for a larger market, which was inaugurated in 1909 - and demolished again in 1948 to make way for the current market.

Today's Mercado Lucas de Gálvez covers an area of around 45,000 square metres with more than 2,000 vendors. It's a very large and crazy indoor market with a variety of small stalls that sell literaly everything.

Origin of the name

Curious about the origin of the name? The market was named after Lucas de Gálvez y Montes de Oca. He was governor and captain general of Yucatán from 1789 to 1792, a role he was appointed to by King Charles III (although he served during the reign of Charles IV).

Born in Seville, Spain in 1739, Lucas de Gálvez arrived in Mérida in March 1789. However, tragically, three years later, on June 22, 1792, he was assassinated in Mérida at the age of 53.

In the surrounding area

As mentioned, Mercado San Benito is directly adjacent (to the south, on the other side of Calle 67). Mercado San Benito is the second most important market in Mérida and the largest.

In my opinion, taking the time for both is absolutely worthwhile, especially since they are very centrally located. From Plaza Grande, with all its surrounding sights, it's only a two-block walk.

The Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida is also directly adjacent (on the northern side, on Calle 65). The City Museum of Mérida is dedicated to the history of the city of Mérida and is also worth a visit, if you're already in the area.

Security tips for the market

As you probably already know, Mérida is considered a very safe city. However, pickpocketing is unfortunately not uncommon in the city's largest market, so you should take extra care of your valuables, especially your wallet and mobile phone. It is best to use a secure bag or money belt to keep your valuables safe.

Here are a few more tips:

• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash.

• Keep copies of important documents, like your passport, in a secure location.

• And be cautious in crowded areas, especially during peak market hours.

Be sure to check out our Traveling Tips for Mérida, Mexico. Here you will find more very valuable information on travelling safely and all the other important things you should know.

Image Source (main image): ©Ryan, flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

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